FOR many fans who jammed up for three hours and 40 minutes with AR Rahman during his concert on Saturday, it proved to be an unforgettable and memorable night.
Enough to say fans got their money's worth and everyone at the stadium basically just enjoyed and grooved away with the showman who belted out hits after hits up until midnight. The ‘Rahman Live in KL 2024’ concert in Bukit Jalil Stadium, which commenced at 8.25pm, featured Rahman, renowned as a singer, songwriter, and music producer, performing popular tracks such as ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire.
The event attracted thousands of fans of Tamil music. Even Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a big fan of the music legend, attended the event.
As for big-time fan, Hadjiji Rahman, who hails from South India and works in Cyberjaya, he said it was not always he gets a chance to see his favourite music hero live in action. So much so, he decided to bring his wife and two kids along for the show.
"This is incredible. I enjoyed every minute of it. In fact, this is something I had always hoped for. I missed the one he (AR Rahman) had last year. This was great. The song were good and the singers simply first class. Just wonderful that I saw it with my whole family," said Hadjiji.
Engineer Prem Kumar from Malaysia was also just as impressed and said all the performances were simply world class.
"I felt it was very very good. This is the first time I saw (AR) Rahman in concert. Top class show and I'm definitely hoping to see him in action in Malaysia soon. I am sure I will catch that show too," said Prem, who came to the concert with his wife.
College friends N. Divyadharrshini, B. Reshveena and P. Niveythaa were also three happy teenagers after the concert.
"We saved our allowances just to watch the show and it was worth every sen," said Divyasharrshini. "The pyro and the the backdrop was simply world class."
Her college mates Reshveena and Niveytha agreed.
"It was a wonderful show. I was mesmerised. I'm so happy to watch him in live concert. All the songs was great and the back up singers were excellent. Singer Shuba was just 'wow!' Her rendition for the song 'Chandralekha' was just brilliant," said Reshveena.
As for Niveytha, coming for the concert with close friends and enjoying the three-hour-plus show was a perfect Saturday evening.
"Being with friends was so much fun and it was made better with such a happening concert. I will always remember this experience. And (AR) Rahman and his group, the songs was just superb," she said.
Another trio of friends who came from all over town to meet up in Bukit Jalil said they were going home with happy hearts and they will always cherish and remember the concert.
"Going out with the friends for a concert is always a very happy experience. It was made better after a superb show here. Even the dance performances were of international class," said Mohd Shahid.
His good friends S. Ishwaar and Divendran N. fully agreed.
"This is an experience not easily forgotten and to dance the night away with my friends listening to the maestro in live concert. Simply amazing," said Ishwaar.
His friend Divendran was also impressed with the stage and background set up which was accompanied by colourful pyro technics.
"This is a world-class concert and set-up. It is great for Malaysians getting a chance to watch such a concert filled with some of the best singers in the world. This is a night not to be forgotten soon," said Divendran.
Rahman, who began his career in the Indian film industry in 1992, is celebrated as one of the most influential musicians in the country and has won two Academy Awards including for his work on the 2009 film Slumdog Millionaire.
Rahman is no stranger to these shores, first performing in Malaysia at the Shah Alam Stadium in 1996.
His concert in 2023 saw him performing to a crowd of over 60,000 people.
The concert on Saturday marked the seventh visit of India’s music superstar to Malaysia and it was organised by Star Planet.
Many fans were also in gratitude and happy with the fact that the LRT stations closing time were extended until 1.15am due to many events in Bukit Jalil on Saturday (July 27). It made their journey much easier.
The AR Rahman Live in Kuala Lumpur concert and the Rainie Yang 2024 concert was held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium and Axiata Arena respectively. Besides that, the three-day 2024 Nihon Matsuri programme, which kicked off on Thursday (July 25), was also held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium Carpark B.
