How A.R. Rahman introduced Kenny G's smooth jazz into tamil cinema with Anjali Anjali song

What do Kenny G and ancient Indian classical music have in common? On the surface, you'd think, absolutely nothing. One is the king of smooth jazz, the sound of late-night drives and department stores. The other is Carnatic music, an ancient, intricate system built on complex scales called ragas and expressive, voice-like slides and bends known as gamakas. One is easy listening; the other demands deep listening.

And yet, in 1994, a young composer named A.R. Rahman did the unthinkable. He took a traditional Carnatic saxophonist and put him at the very heart of a blockbuster film score. The result was a sound that was as smooth as jazz but as soulful as a classical performance. This is the story of how one song, 'Anjali Anjali Pushpanjali' from the movie Duet, created an Indian Kenny G and changed film music forever.

The Saxophone's Unexpected Journey

The saxophone is not an instrument native to India. It's a Western wind instrument, most famously used in jazz and marching bands. While it had appeared in Indian film music before as part of the brass section, it was always a supporting player. But in K. Balachander's film Duet, the saxophone wasn't just an instrument; it was a central character. The story of the film revolved around two brothers and the woman they both loved, with one of the brothers being a saxophonist.

To give this instrument a starring role, Rahman needed a secret weapon. He found him in Kadri Gopalnath, a revolutionary saxophonist from Mangalore, Karnataka. Kadri's father was a Nadaswaram player, but after hearing the saxophone at a concert, Kadri fell in love with it. He spent 20 years mastering the instrument, adapting it to play the complex microtones and gamakas of Carnatic music—something that was incredibly difficult to achieve. He didn't just play the saxophone; he made it sing in a new language.

A Perfect Fusion: Lounge Music Meets Carnatic Raga

In the early 90s, Kenny G was a global superstar, with his albums selling in the millions. His "smooth jazz" sound was the soundtrack to hotel lobbies and elevators worldwide. Listen to a few seconds of his music, and you'll hear that smooth, easy-flowing style.

Now, listen to the opening of "Anjali Anjali Pushpanjali." You'll hear that same smooth, easy-listening style, but with a distinctively Indian soul. Rahman masterfully used the Carnatic raga Maand for this song. Maand is a light raga, often used for devotional or folk songs, making it the perfect fit for a smooth, pleasant musical style.

With Kadri's virtuosic saxophone playing in the Kenny G style, Rahman's composition in the gentle Maand raga, and the soulful voices of SPB and Chitra, the song became an instant classic. The song's structure mirrors a jazz piece, with a smooth saxophone intro, followed by Chitra's humming, and then the main vocals. The use of a simple piano backing track and light drums creates a jazz club atmosphere, giving the song its unique lounge music feel.

Anjali Anjali's Lasting Legacy

The impact of "Anjali Anjali" was immediate and profound. It showed how a Western instrument could be fully integrated into Indian classical and film music, not just as a novelty, but as a lead voice. Kadri Gopalnath became a sensation, rightly earning the title of the "Saxophone Chakravarthy" (Emperor of the Saxophone).

Even today, you can hear instrumental versions of "Anjali Anjali" in elevators, hotel lobbies, and cafes across Chennai and beyond—a testament to its timeless, lounge music quality. It's a song that effortlessly bridges two worlds: the serene, contemplative nature of Carnatic music and the smooth, relaxing vibe of jazz.

Have you heard this song playing in an unexpected place? Let us know in the comments!