Renowned Indian composer, singer, and music producer AR Rahman was honored with the 'XTIC Award 2024 for Innovation' by IIT Madras for his direction of the virtual reality film Le Musk. The eXperiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC), a prominent institute at IIT Madras focusing on Virtual Reality and related technologies, bestowed the award upon the music maestro.
Rahman expressed his gratitude, reminiscing, "I first came here when I was 13 years old. I envisioned Le Musk as a global experience that should originate from India. Receiving an award from Hollywood in LA was significant, but now, being recognized here fills me with pride."
The award was presented by the co-inventors of Oculus, Professor Steven LaValle and Professor Anna Lavalle, who are also visiting faculty at IIT Madras. This accolade highlights exceptional contributions to the advancement of immersive technologies and storytelling on a global scale.
Upon receiving the Innovation Award for directing the virtual reality thriller Le Musk, Rahman emphasized, "Receiving an award in Chennai holds a special place in my heart. We continuously sought ways to enhance understanding and avoid the pitfalls of earlier attempts. The paramount rule for me was ensuring people's comfort."
Discussing the technology and innovations in India, he added, "To achieve this, we require specialized cameras. Every time I visit Microsoft or Intel, I wonder why the next Apple or Nvidia isn't emerging from India. The government must address this. There's much more to accomplish. I'm investing all my resources into this as a passion project. Many people could utilize VR for visiting temples, and even for weddings."
Previously, Rahman unveiled the soundtrack for his immersive film, featuring 12 songs. "Le Musk, an innovative sensory cinematic experience directed by AR Rahman, combines music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to create a new kind of film and narrative. The soundtrack, designed to enhance the immersive experience, showcases Rahman's distinctive style—a fusion of Jazz, Orchestra, and eclectic elements with soulful melodies," as per the press release from AR Rahman's team.
Directed by A.R Rahman and showcased at Cannes XR, the film's soundtrack launch was a significant event. Rahman shared, "Music is the heartbeat of Le Musk. It embodies the film's soul, guiding the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The film is a result of immense hard work and passion, where we pushed the boundaries of technology to create something truly immersive. I'm excited to finally share this soundtrack with the world and give a glimpse into the world we've crafted."
Collaborating on the 12 diverse tracks with notable artists including Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, Linda Lind, Mayssa Karaa, Hiral Viradia, Simona Gilbert, The Firdaus Orchestra, and the Budapest Orchestra, the soundtrack of Le Musk also features the expertise of award-winning music engineer Greg Penny. This marks Rahman's directorial debut.
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