Latest news with #Rahman
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Lyricist Karthik Netha on the story behind ‘Thug Life''s ‘Vinveli Nayaga'
'Vinveli Nayaga' is the song of the moment in Tamil Nadu. It is from AR Rahman's album for the soon-to-release Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan starrer Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam. The song has some beautiful poetry by Karthik Netha, woven into its electrifying rhythm. The poet-lyricist has also written lines for the song 'Anju Vanna Poove' from the film. An elated Karthik says that he is happy his endeavour to bring good poetry into film songs is being received well. Karthik Netha can be credited with coining the title 'Vinveli nayaga' for Kamal Haasan. Only a few months ago, the actor made news by requesting that he not be referred to as 'Ulaganayagan' that was bestowed upon him by his fans. However, he now has a new title that transcends planets. The spark for the term came from Rahman. 'He had originally titled the track 'Space Hero',' explains Karthik, adding that he came up with a suitable Tamil term that fit into the song's tune and requirements. 'Rahman sir sent me the track in November 2023 and by January 2024, we were done working on it,' says Karthik. Working with Mani Ratnam and Rahman, Karthik says, was like 'sitting in front of masters to learn'. The four months between the end of 2023 and 2024 when the songs came alive, Karthik recalls, were filled with moments of learning and wonder. He remembers how when he first heard the track 'Anju Vanna Poove' in Rahman's voice, words began to flow without himself realising it. 'I wrote everything at one go,' he explains, adding that once he listened to the track, it stayed in his mind, and he later edited his lines to go with the tune. 'Mani sir would explain the situation to me, and I would write the song and send it to him. He would edit it and forward it to Rahman sir,' says Karthik, talking about how the two songs were the result of to-and-fro among the three of them. Karthik finds the process of writing a song for a pre-composed tune creatively enriching. 'A certain rhythm exists in my mind into which my words fit when I set out to write,' he explains, adding that this rhythm tends to make him stick to his usual voice. 'But when a tune comes from outside, I will arrive at a rhythm that is completely new. This triggers the mind to come up with something fresh.' This exchange between composer and lyricist, Karthik feels, is like an intimate conversation between lovers. 'We give the composer's emotions and feelings words and structure, for every tune has the composer's soul in it,' he says. In 'Anju Vanna Poove', Mani Ratnam's brief to the lyricist was to render the feeling of motherly love, tinged with longing for her child. 'I thought of my mother when I wrote it,' recalls Karthik, 'I reflected on how it would be if she sang for me. Thoughts of my son too flashed by.' He adds that another song that he fondly remembered while writing 'Anju…' was Kannadasan's gem, 'Kaalamidhu Kaalamidhu Kannurangu Magalae'. Karthik has several films in the line up, and is most excited about a film Darbuka Siva is directing and composing music for. 'I've written five songs for the film, and the album is close to my heart,' he says. On the poetry front, he is working on his eighth collection, that is set to be launched at the Chennai Book Fair in January next year. While Karthik's poetry explores themes of philosophy and self-enquiry, his recent verses talk about lust from a philosophical perspective. 'I have tried to elucidate how powerful desire is,' he says.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Firms Cement Stake in Uzbekistan's Power Sector
Greenlogue/AP Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company have finalised the acquisition of an 875-megawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant at the Talimarjan Power Complex in Uzbekistan, marking a significant step in the ongoing privatisation of the Central Asian country's energy sector. Each entity now holds a 40 per cent stake in the TPP1 gas-fired plant through a newly created project company, Talimarjan Power Plant 1. Mubadala and TAQA also jointly own 40 per cent of Talimarjan Operations & Maintenance LLC, formed to operate the facility. The remaining 20 per cent stake in both entities is held by Uzbekistan's JSC 'Talimarjan Issiqlik Elektr Stansiyasi' . ADVERTISEMENT The TPP1 plant operates under a 25-year power purchase agreement with JSC 'Uzenergosotish' , the successor to the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan. This agreement ensures a stable demand for the plant's output, which is crucial as Uzbekistan experiences rapid economic and population growth, leading to increased energy consumption. Mubadala's Head of Asia Pacific Infrastructure, Hammad Rahman, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting countries in meeting their energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. He noted that efficient natural gas-fired power plants like TPP1 play an important role in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Rahman expressed confidence in the collaboration with TAQA and TIES to ensure reliable, affordable, and secure power supply across Uzbekistan, supporting socioeconomic development. Frank Possmeier, Chief Investment Officer of Generation at TAQA, highlighted the significance of the acquisition in Uzbekistan's journey towards a privatised energy sector. He stated that TAQA would leverage its extensive experience to help Uzbekistan meet its growing energy needs. Possmeier also mentioned that the stake in TPP1 aligns with TAQA's 2030 targets, aiming to grow its power generation capacity to 150 gigawatts, with a significant portion derived from renewable energy sources. The acquisition brings direct foreign investment into Uzbekistan's energy sector and is expected to foster local development through social infrastructure and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at capacity building and sustainable community development. It also reflects the broader strategic energy partnership between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, aimed at introducing global expertise into Uzbekistan's rapidly expanding power market. Uzbekistan's government has been actively pursuing the privatisation of its energy sector to attract foreign investment and modernise its infrastructure. The collaboration with Mubadala and TAQA is part of this broader initiative, which includes plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity supply to 25 per cent by 2030. The involvement of experienced international partners is seen as a way to accelerate these goals and ensure the successful implementation of energy projects. The Talimarjan Power Complex, located in the Kashkadarya region, is a critical component of Uzbekistan's electricity infrastructure. The TPP1 plant's integration into the complex enhances its capacity to meet the country's growing energy demands. The strategic location and advanced technology of the plant are expected to contribute significantly to the stability and efficiency of Uzbekistan's power supply.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ahead of Thug Life, AR Rahman reflects on his decades-long collaboration with Mani Ratnam: ‘He has seen my growth'
The collaboration of director Mani Ratnam and music composer AR Rahman is one of those gifts that continues to deliver. The two have worked on many films, starting from Roja, and then to Kadal and OK Kanmani. The two of them are collaborating once again for Thug Life. In an interview with India Today, Rahman opened up about their creative process and shared how they share the common purpose to 'serve the audience and the cinema'. (Also read: Kamal Haasan stuns with knowledge; Mani Ratnam doesn't waste time on set like other directors: Thug Life's Ashok Selvan) During the interaction, Rahman talked about working with the director over the course of two decades and said, "We feel the same even today! I discovered myself in the jingle industry. He has seen my growth. When I was based in Chennai, he was there. When I was doing 'Bombay Dreams', he used to come to London for music. He didn't come to Bollywood though. When I'm doing my virtual reality stuff, he's seen it and commented on it." He went on to add, 'Our relationship is to serve the audience and the cinema. That is our common purpose. That common purpose drives us to excel. In fact, the final mixing of Thug Life was happening day before yesterday. And he asked me if we could make the music a little aggressive in a particular scene. I went to the studio, and we changed it one hour before the engineer left the studio. That's the freedom we have.' The audio launch of Thug Life took place in Chennai a few days ago. Some of the songs featured in the album are Jinguchaa, Sugar Baby, Muththa Mazhai, and Vinveli Nayaga. The gangster drama stars Kamal Haasan, Simbu and Trisha in pivotal roles. It is set to release in theatres on June 5.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mani Ratnam Thanks AR Rahman Ahead Of Thug Life, Says 'You Make My Film Alive'
'Thank you, Rahman. You make my film alive. Thank you very much," Mani Ratnam said emotionally. Addressing a packed auditorium of fans, media, and industry figures, the esteemed director shared an anecdote highlighting Rahman's sensitivity and creative generosity. 'I was telling him how nowadays it's difficult to keep full songs in cinema due to short attention spans and changing narratives," Ratnam revealed, referring to the evolving dynamics of storytelling and audience engagement in contemporary cinema. But Rahman, ever the artist attuned to deeper meanings, responded characteristically. 'After listening, he changed the number of songs from originally five to nine," Ratnam disclosed, drawing applause from the crowd. 'Thank you, Rahman. Thank you very much. You make my film come alive," he reiterated with immense pride. Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman's collaboration, which began with Roja in 1992, has spanned over three decades, producing some of Indian cinema's most iconic soundtracks – from Bombay and Dil Se to Guru and Ponniyin Selvan. This moment on stage was more than a tribute; it was a reflection of a creative synergy nurtured over time, rooted in mutual respect and trust. At a time when many filmmakers are shortening musical sequences for tighter runtimes, Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman's decision to expand the musical scope of Thug Life is both audacious and beautiful. It serves as a reminder that music, when composed with passion and thoughtfully integrated into the narrative, doesn't merely accompany a film – it elevates it. Produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies, R Mahendran, and Siva Ananth, Thug Life features a stellar cast. Kamal Haasan stars as Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, alongside Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf, among others. With Mani Ratnam directing and AR Rahman's music, Thug Life will be released in cinemas on June 2025.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Mubadala, TAQA complete transaction for purchase of power plant in Uzbekistan
29 May 2025 12:39 ABU DHABI (WAM) Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, have completed the acquisition of a gas-fired power generation plant at the Talimarjan Power Complex in and TAQA each hold a 40 per cent stake in the 875 MW TPP1 combined-cycle gas-fired plant through a newly established project company, Talimarjan Power Plant 1 LLC. Both TAQA and Mubadala also hold a 40% stake in the Talimarjan Operations & Maintenance LLC (O&M), which was established to operate the JSC 'Talimarjan Issiqlik Elektr Stansiyasi' (TIES) holds the remaining 20 per cent stakes in both the project company and the O&M transaction supports investments into the privatisation of Uzbekistan's power sector. It follows a strategic partnership between the Governments of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates whereby Mubadala and TAQA will bring their global power sector expertise to the local power market in 875 MW TPP1 plant has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with JSC 'Uzenergosotish' (UES) (successor power purchaser to JSC 'National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan') for 25 years and plays a critical part in meeting demand for electricity in Uzbekistan as the country continues to experience rapid population and economic Rahman, Head of Asia Pacific Infrastructure at Mubadala, said, 'Mubadala is committed to supporting countries across the world to meet their energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. Efficient natural gas-fired powered plants such as TPP1 will play an important part in enabling the transition to cleaner sources of is recording a significant growth in demand for power, and Mubadala looks forward to working with TAQA and our local partner TIES to ensure communities and businesses across the country have access to reliable, affordable and secure power supply that supports progress and socioeconomic development.'Frank Possmeier, Chief Investment Officer, Generation at TAQA, said, 'TAQA is pleased to collaborate with Mubadala and TIES in acquiring this vital asset that plays a crucial role in Uzbekistan's journey towards a privatised energy sector. As a low carbon power and water champion, TAQA will leverage its extensive experience and expertise to help Uzbekistan meet its growing energy needs while continuing to invest in this critical stake in TPP1 demonstrates progress in delivering on our 2030 targets which aim to grow our power generation capacity to 150 GW and strengthens our operation and maintenance capabilities which is also a pivotal element of our strategy. We are committed to enhancing efficiency and ensuring TPP1 runs as a world-class power plant as part of our expanding portfolio as we continue to provide power to the communities we serve.'The acquisition of the TPP1 project brings direct foreign investment into Uzbekistan's thriving energy sector and will also support local development of social infrastructure and knowledge sharing initiatives aimed at capacity building and sustainable community development. TAQA's Generation business is targeting 150 GW of gross power generation by 2030, with around 100 GW of that capacity coming from renewable power sources through its leading stake in Masdar's renewable energy operations.
