It may sound like an outlandish amount for a concert ticket, but for fans of AR Rahman in the US, $1,050 (approximately Rs 50,000) is a small price to pay to watch the maestro in action.
During Rahman’s world tour concerts in the US, tickets for a special enclosure called the Jai Ho Circle, cost $1,050.
The tickets promise a hassle-free, green-carpet entry with non-alcoholic drinks and choiciest snacks served at the concert. Though the cheapest ticket for the show costs $54.40, Hindu activist in the US, Rajan Zed, has urged Rahman to further lower the price to $20 so that all his fans can enjoy it ‘in these times of recession’.
But, according to the organisers, the show is already a sell out. “I doubt if any seat will be left available at any of the concerts; all the tickets are sold out in the US,” said Aroon Shivdasani of Indo-American Arts Council, which is selling the tickets.
Called Jai Ho - The Journey Home, the concert kicks off in New York on June 11. The last concert of the series is at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 5.
Delhi-based designer Ritu Beri has designed 300 outfits for the tour. “I’ve tried to merge the heritage and traditions of India, adding modernity to the presentation,” said the designer. The costumes, inspired by yoga and classical dances, will have LED display for a disco-like effect. The stage show will include four troupes of dancers and Cirque du Soleil acrobats and other special performances.
Look who met with Rahman
During Rahman’s practice session in Los Angeles, Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, and MJ’s son Prince, reportedly paid him a surprise visit. Prince told Rahman that he is a big fan of his song, Jai Ho. Rahman reportedly has extended a personal invitation to the Jasksons to his concert.