IIFA Awards 2017: A R Rahman Sings Urvasi In Tamil, Audience Chants 'Once More'

New Delhi: A R Rahman's New York concert (IIFA Rocks) was in complete contrast to his London gig, where 'fans' of the Oscar-winning composer reportedly walked out of the Wembley Stadium, complaining that his set was dominated by Tamil numbers. As the clock struck 2 AM and Rahman ended the Tamil version of Urvasi Urvasi, the crowed at New York's MetLife stadium started chanting, "Once more, once more," reports news agency IANS. "It's too late right," said Rahman but he played Humma Humma nevertheless, reports IANS. Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, Mika Singh and Neeti Mohan also jammed with Rahman on the IIFA Rocks stage.

Like in London, Rahman's set in New York also comprised some Tamil songs. Dil Se, Nadaan Parindey, Kinna sona, Tu Hi Re, Nahi Saamne, Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai, "Maiyya Maiyya and his Oscar-winning song Jai Ho were some of the tracks Rahman played on Friday night.
 

Regaling the audience with his evergreen tunes. A memorable IIFA ROCKS indeed! Kudos to the magician behind the show! @arrahman #IIFA2017 pic.twitter.com/crddlzJcGs

— IIFA Awards (@IIFA) July 15, 2017

The audience in New York accepted the Tamil songs as much as they grooved to Rahman's Hindi songs. "Rahman's performance was every bit worth it. We had no problems that he sang in Tamil because we believe one should preserve their culture," New York-based Rajan Panda told IANS after the concert. A New York-based Nepalese couple added: "We enjoyed the show very much. We came for Rahman. Its music, it's universal... It doesn't matter what language it is in."

Meanwhile, Rahman's London concert audience was apparently made up of folks who claim Rahman should remember he "made his name in Bollywood" (this is untrue). Here are some reactions:
 

That was my first ever Tamil concert guys. Albeit completely unintentional #ARRahman #SSEArena #Fail #Refund?

— Omer Chowdhury (@OmChow) July 8, 2017

 

Was total disaster,for someone who made his name in Bollywood(at least on sheer numbers) it was disrespectful from him,even speaking Tamil

— Apoorva Dixit (@apoorva_dixit) July 9, 2017

 

Was so disappointed and left half way through. The promoter #HumsiniEntertainment should of said 99% songs will be Tamil. I wouldnt of come

— Rita Mistry (@RitaMistry) July 8, 2017

IIFA Rocks is a music event organized by the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) ahead of its main award show night. The IIFA awards will be held in New York on July 15. IIFA Rocks was attended by celebrities like Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan.

(With IANS inputs)