Music maestro A R Rahman will not be attending the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Chennai due to a Hollywood project.
"The Chennai concert, which is a tribute to Michael Jackson organised by my friend [music director Praveen Mani], will be a great show. However, I won't be present there since I have to complete my commitments and resume work on my Hollywood project Couples Retreat," Rahman said.
The proceeds of the show, Heal the World, will go to autism awareness programmes and other allied projects.
The show, to be held on the King of Pop's birthday on August 29, is expected to feature a multitude of prominent playback singers.
Recalling his association with Jackson, Rahman said: "When I met Jackson, he had asked me to compose a song like We are the world. But sadly we lost him too early."
The 43-year-old who has won 13 Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and two Academy Awards was in the capital for a concert in association with Phat Phish Records, to commemorate 50 years of Doordarshan.
"I am proud to be associated with Doordarshan. It feels great to be part of such a momentous occasion today when the channel is completing 50 glorious years," he said.
Asked about his studio in Los Angeles, Rahman said: "Right now the studio is not there. I am in the middle of getting loans sanctioned to start other things on the project."
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