When A?R Rahman performs, people come out in droves . and they wait for him, even if they have to do so for more than two hours.
Scheduled to start at 8pm, it was almost 10.30pm on Thursday when his concert at Dubai World Trade Centre, the first night of the city's Sufi Weekend event, finally began.
Due to the delay, the members of the audience were getting restless waiting for the maestro to appear on stage, but as his voice, singing "La ilaha illAllah", started to echo, a hush fell over the hall, which was jam-packed with fans, as the screen behind the stage lit up with beautiful graphics.
As Rahman stepped out on stage amid applause and cheers, he introduced the choir performing that evening, who were all students of the KM College of Music & Technology - a college founded by the maestro. They have been practising for more than three years, and this was their first big concert.
The line-up included many of Rahman's own compositions as well as some by the renowned Pakistani qawwali Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Rahman performed the lead vocals for some, but many were sung by the members of the choir or by the singer Javed Ali. Sivamani, a long-time friend of Rahman, was on percussion.
After the first few songs, Sivamani came on stage, followed by a very upbeat Mast Kalandar - one of the high points of the night.
It seemed like many in the audience were not prepared for the pace of the show, expecting Rahman to play more of his popular and commercial pieces - some in the crowd left long before the show was over.
The night started to gain momentum when Rahman did switch to some of his more popular songs, such as Piya Haji Ali from the movie Fiza, Arziyan from Delhi 6, Laal Meri Pat and Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodhaa Akbar and Kun Faya Kun from Rockstar.
Audience expectations aside, for someone who enjoys Sufi music, the night was a memorable one.
The students delivered a fantastic performance, and seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the Sufi lovers in the audience.
ajhurani@thenational.ae
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
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16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
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5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
