AR Rahman prays Dam 999 songs win Oscar Awards

Three songs from the controversial film Dam 999, which is in the eligibility list of Academy Awards, are competing with 36 others for a nomination in the Best Song category of the Oscar Awards 2011. Music composer AR Rahman, who has won two Oscars like Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire, prays the songs of Dam 999 win the Oscar gong.

Addressing the music launch function of the film Ek Deewana Tha in Agra, AR Rahman said, "I was very excited to hear about Dam 999. Hariharan (singer) texted me about it. I know Ousephachan, we have worked together. I pray at least one of the songs wins an Oscar because the film's music is brilliant."

It was reported earlier that he was denied permission to perform near the Taj Mahal, but the composer said he wasn't supposed to perform in the first place. "I am here for the film's music release, not to perform live. Even I was shocked when I heard that I was supposed to perform. I don't know who spread these rumours," Rahman told PTI.

AR Rahman played the songs from the film's soundtrack at the launch at a hotel here with a view of the monument of love. The music maestro added, "I wanted my audience to look at the beauty of Taj and not stare at me when my songs were played. Coming to Taj was like coming back home."