Rahman is worthy son of Chennai: Karunanidhi

Chennai, Feb 23 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Monday hailed music maestro A.R. Rahman for his double win for "Slumdog Millionaire" at the 81st annual Academy Awards and said the Oscars were "precious jewels". He also wished Rahman more awards.

"Classic Tamil and six crore (60 million) Tamils are rejoicing over the pinnacle of achievement of this worthy son of Chennai," Karunanidhi said in a statement.

"I consider the awards won by Rahman as precious jewels in the crown of one of our own with pride. I join 100 crore (1 billion) Indians and six crore (60 million) Tamils in showering flowers of appreciation with pure minds on this scion from a minority community," he said.

He hoped Rahman would continue to win "thousands of awards".

Assembly speaker R. Auvudaiyappan congratulated Rahman.

"Tamil youth Rahman has made us hold our heads high in pride by winning the world's biggest accolade - Oscars - for his endeavour for 'Slumdog Millionaire'," he said in a statement.

"On behalf of our Chief Minister who strives for the betterment of all showbiz personalities and all the members of this August house, I greet this victorious compatriot," he added.

Composer A.R. Rahman created history by becoming the first Indian to bag two Oscars for his work in British filmmaker Danny Boyle's much acclaimed "Slumdog Millionaire".

Rahman got his first Oscar on Sunday night of the award function here for best original score for the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama. He shared the second Oscar for best original song for the film's theme number "Jai Ho" with noted Indian lyricist Gulzar.

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