A.R. Rahman Wows Sydney Crowd

Sydney, Oct 20: Attending A.R. Rahman’s concert in Sydney last night was a long-awaited experience, marking his return to Australia after a seven-year hiatus.
After overcoming several challenges to secure two media tickets, I finally had the opportunity to witness the maestro perform live at the ICC Theatre.

My admiration for A.R. Rahman’s music began in Malaysia, where I would tune in every Saturday afternoon to watch Tamil films on RTM2.
It was Roja, the iconic film that launched Rahman’s career, that first captivated me.

Before A.R. Rahman’s rise, Tamil film music relied heavily on street beats like ‘dapagutty,’ but he revolutionised the genre, elevating it to global acclaim.

Securing the interview with A.R. Rahman came with significant personal sacrifices, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
On the night of the concert, I left early, catching the light rail to the ICC Theatre.

My excitement, however, was briefly dampened by the venue’s security policies.
My metal water bottle and tripod were flagged, and I had to leave them in the cloakroom.
Fortunately, the cloakroom service was free, and staff assured me that water stations were available inside.
The concert began promptly at 7:28 PM and concluded at 10:15 PM, delivering a performance that can only be described as phenomenal.

It felt like witnessing Mozart reincarnated, with nearly 8,000 fans packed into the venue, hanging on every note.
A.R. Rahman opened with Jai Ho and performed several other iconic tracks, including one interwoven with a selawat nabi verse, blending spirituality with art.
Though I hadn’t followed his recent work closely, many of the songs performed were familiar from my years in Malaysia.
The venue was alive with energy, packed with members of Sydney’s Indian community, all celebrating A.R. Rahman’s genius.

Even Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke was in attendance, adding to the evening’s prestige.
By the concert’s end, people were dancing on their chairs, completely immersed in the vibrant atmosphere.
A fellow journalist sitting next to me later confided that she had goosebumps throughout the show—a sentiment I wholeheartedly shared.

This was my first time at the ICC Theatre, and while some policies surprised me, they didn’t detract from the magic of the night.
A.R. Rahman’s concert was a masterclass in live music—an unforgettable experience filled with nostalgia, artistry, and a reminder of the value of persistence and passion.
If you’re planning to attend an event at the ICC Theatre, here are a few tips from my experience:

• Avoid bringing metal items. Metal water bottles and tripods are not allowed inside and must be left in the cloakroom. While the service is free, belongings are stored in the open under staff supervision.
• Travel light. Stick to essentials like your phone and wallet, as large backpacks may need to be checked.
• Water stations are available. There’s no need to bring a water bottle, as free water is provided inside the venue.

Editor’s Note: The writer received two complimentary tickets to attend the concert on Saturday in exchange for an honest review.