Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam praised A.R. Rahman, a renowned Indian singer, for supporting local artists through partnerships and performances. On social media posts, President Tharman shared images from his meeting with Rahman, who was in Singapore for the premiere of his VR film, Le Musk, at Golden Village Suntec.
Rahman, 58, directed the 37-minute multi-sensory film, which incorporates VR, haptics, music, and smell. The screening will run till August 12. President Tharman praised Rahman’s efforts to collaborate with local artists, including rapper-songwriter duo Lady Kash and Krissy, singer-musician Shabir, and rapper Yung Raja. Rahman’s collaboration with Lady Kash and Krissy on the song “Wanna Mash Up?” from the 2014 Hindi film Highway was also mentioned.
President Tharman applauded Indian music and culture’s unique contributions to Singapore’s rich ethnic landscape, despite being a minority. He also noted Rahman’s early link to Singapore, recalling how he purchased music equipment from local stores like Swee Lee and City Music on his first trip outside in the 1980s.
His concerts in Singapore include performances at the National Stadium, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and Marina Bay Sands.
