The Mozart of Madras

Slumdog Millionaire director, Danny Boyle is the man of the moment, with his film winning four Golden Globe awards - one won by A R Rahman for Best Music. CNN-IBN Entertainment Editor, Rajeev Masand talked to Boyle about Rahman's music.

Rajeev Masand: Tell us a little about working with A R Rahman on the music of the film.

Danny Boyle: He's something of a genius you have to say. I approached him to do the film, and he's a very busy guy obviously, so popular. It's difficult to explain to people in the West just how famous this guy is and just how many records he sells. But he is very simple and plain and I love that quality about him. He's very straightforward despite his fame - almost extraordinary, supernatural fame.

I told him that I promise I will mix the music with the film. I am not going to hide the music, because that was always one of the things that I thought he would be wary about. In the West we tend to use music and hide it behind the film and you are not aware of the music a lot of times and I said I will be very proud of your music. And I will mix it right at the front of the music and it will be bold.

Rajeev Masand: Right up to the big song at the end!

Danny Boyle: Yes of course, we did a song at the end and we originally did it to a different song. And he said, I'll replace that for you and I was like 'what'! And he said I will write you another song for that dance. So he's got a mind that's able to completely work the other way round if necessary, you know.

I mean we are working together and he doesn't follow things which I tell him literally, which is terrible, but he takes the instinct he just works more like that and he gives something which is worth it. It's been one of the high points of my career so far to be able to work on music with him, yeah!