Swashbuckler Kohli to turn rapper for Madras Mozart’s Futsal anthem

Kohli, an ardent fan of the maestro, said he was proud to share creative space with a legend. “I grew up listening to Rahman sir’s songs. When I sit next to him, I feel even more pressure than I feel on a cricket ground,” Kohli said. 

The Indian Test captain affirmed that Rahman’s music has an instant connect with any music buff. “Take the case of any high-octane cricket match, it is Rahman sir’s rendition of Vande Mataram that is played to cheer the boys on the field.” 

“Standing in the middle of the arena, with around 50,000 people singing in chorus, gives everyone goosebumps. There is such a flow of energy after listening to the song because it gets everyone involved,” added the batsman, who is the brand ambassador for Premier Futsal. When asked about Rahman’s tryst with composing music for such sporty initiatives, the music maestro said, “For the last three years, I have been composing music for sporting events and sport-themed movies. I believe I am now making myself relevant in sports.” 

Taking about composing music for Futsal, Rahman said, “I feel honoured to compose music for the Premier Futsal League which is another new game in India. In fact, I heard the word ‘Futsal’ for the first time when they approached me to compose music for the league. I have been working on the music for a week now.” When asked if Futsal fever will catch up with youngsters in the city, Rahman said, “Hopefully it should.” 

When Rahman replied to a question posed by a reporter in Tamil, Kohli smiled and nodded his head and told Rahman he understood Tamil. When Kohli said that he was rather comfortable with the bat than holding a mic, the maestro said, “It is more of a rap and has nothing much to do with the lyrics. I have made it easier for you,” and patted the batsman. 

The inaugural edition of Premier Futsal, a five-a-side indoor football, will kick off on July 15 with Kohli and Rahman’s creative involvement with the new league. Kohli, who is known for being a passionate football lover, has a stake in the Indian Super League club FC Goa and will be one of the stakeholders in Premier Futsal. Rohit Ramesh, owner of Chennai City Football Club in the city’s domestic football circuit, would be owning the Chennai franchise.