The concerts are organised by Charindaa to assist destitute children in India. Cricketing legend Steve Waugh, former captain of the Aussie team, is the Chief Patron of Udayan, the Child Leprosy Centre in Kolkata, which will be one of the major benificiaries.
That Rahman is relatively unknown to the 'Australian' audience despite his popular musical 'Bombay Dreams' (and Warriors of Heaven and Earth) has not detracted it from being a sell-out event. I guess there are soooooo many Indians down under that it wouldn't matter at all. Still, will have to point out that 'Bollywood' has got the Australians curious (especially after Oprah's show with Ais) and they totally adore the colourful dance sequences (of turning the bulb and tapping the ball at the same time).
It is a different issue that when I try convincing them that there is more to Indian cinema than 'Bollywood' I am laughed at. (Who am I kidding? The way things are going Bollywood would be the only Indian cinema. And my friends here would end up attending my marriage and demanding that people break into a dance for no reason every three and a half minutes).
Incidentally, Rahman has recently accepted to compose music for the theatre production of "Lord of the Rings" (we'll look forward to it doubly eagerly).
P.S. Stevie has promised he will attend atleast one of the concerts and I am praying it is Sydney
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