Rahman first Indian to win Golden Globe

12 Jan 2009, 1340 hrs IST, PTI

NEW YORK: Music maestro A R Rahman, who became the first Indian to win the prestigious Golden Globe Award, dedicated it to the "billion people of A R Rahman has won original music score for 'Slumdog Millionaire'. (Reuters)

India," as British Director Danny Boyle's Mumbai-based saga 'Slumdog Millionaire,' bagged four prizes at the ceremony on Monday. ( Watch )

A Mumbai underdog's rags-to-riches story, 'Slumdog Millionaire', swept all the four categories it was nominated for, winning the best director award for Boyle, the best music score for Rahman, best screenplay for Simon Beaufoy and also in the category of best drama.

Rahman, who won the coveted prize for his music score 'Jai Ho' in the film, thanked the director and his fellow musicians in Mumbai and Chennai, besides the "billion people from India".

"Unbelievable..! I thought, I would not win, so anyways thanks to the almighty God for bringing me here... Danny Boyle, Fox pictures, all my musicians in Chennai, Mumbai,... and the billion people from India," he said while accepting the award.

Director Danny Boyle bagged the best director award, while Simon Beaufoy won the best screenplay award for the film that starred Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and British Indian Dev Patel.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was at the ceremony to represent India, introduced the film to the foreign audience with 'Slumdog' actress Frieda Pinto.

It is also the first Golden Globe for 52-year-old Boyle, who is expected to be among the favourites at next month's Oscars following the phenomenal success of the film at award circuits.

Dedicates win to India
Music maestro A R Rahman has dedicated his achievement to the country.

Vijay Singh, CEO of Star Fox Studios, which is all set to release the film in India on January 23 said he spoke to Rahman soon after winning the Best Original Music score award for 'Jai Ho', penned by lyricist Gulzar.

"He (Rahman) told me that this is a gift for India," Singh said.

Last week on his birthday (January 6) before leaving for Los Angeles, Rahman told reporters via video conferencing from Chennai that he wanted to win the award for India.

"Personally for me, it would be surprising if I win. But, I want to win it for India," Rahman had said.

"It is a proud moment for all Indians. The film has won four awards--Best Picture, Director, Screenplay and Original Music score. The story touches the hearts of Indian film watchers. It is about hope, overcoming all odds and believing in your love," Singh said.

Bollywood singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said, "Rahman is truly the king, the leader. He is one of the finest composers of this country. He has carried India's name on the global map and has achieved something which no one from this country could do. He deserves every award that exists."

Music director Pritam said he was overjoyed to hear the news about Rahman's success. "Rahman is the best. He has made India proud," he added.

Actor Jackie Shroff, expressing happiness after the film won the awards, said, "Rahman's win is special. India deserves to be on the top. Such an honour is never too late."