Exclusive Collections
May 01, 2026
The interview which appears below, was originally published on Cyber Noon in November 2004. ©The rights to this material are reserved to the owner. If you have any concerns or comments, please send an…
In this interview with Gulf News, A.R. Rahman states that music is a blessing from God and began as a job for him, but eventually became a passion. He also cites good musicians and nature as his inspirations.
A.R. Rahman admits to Rediff in a candid interview how "Azeem Shaan Shahenshah" outshines his previous compositions, showcasing his evolution with Mohammad Aslam and Bony Chakravarti.
Essential Reads: Editorially Curated
A special section dedicated to showcasing the most compelling and insightful stories about A.R. Rahman.
150 Million Albums, 1 Broadway Show: A.R. Rahman’s American Gamble
Journey through A.R. Rahman's eclectic soundscape, from Tamil hits to Broadway aspirations. Discover why this critic believes Rahman's genius…
‘We All Came Home to Rahman’: Baradwaj Rangan’s 15-Year Musical Memoir
Through 30 carefully chosen songs, critic Baradwaj Rangan chronicles Rahman's evolution from 'mere jingles' to global maestro, capturing a…
“Even with all his awards, I’m happiest when my son eats properly” – Kareema Beegum
In an exclusive interview with Kumudham, Kareema Begum reveals intimate stories of Rahman's childhood genius, his relentless dedication to…
‘All My Life I Chose Love’: The Complete Collection of Rahman’s Oscar Journey Quotes
From pre-Oscar jitters to profound reflections on love over hate, every significant quote from A.R. Rahman's journey to becoming the first…
The Sweet Sedative: How Rahman’s Score Makes Slumdog’s Poverty Palatable
In this penetrating analysis of Rahman's Oscar-winning work, the composer's soundtrack is revealed as both savior and sedative – a sonic…
‘From Morning Tea to Oscar Night’: The Untold Story of Rahman’s Humbling Journey
A rare glimpse into Rahman's world before global fame: from quiet mornings in Kodambakkam to Oscar glory, how India's musical genius remained…
‘Totally Tamil and Totally Rahman’: How a Shy Composer Conquered Global Music
Working from his Chennai studio, Rahman changed Indian film music's landscape by mixing genres, discovering new voices, and creating sounds…
‘He creates intricate patterns others may not think of’: Inside Rahman’s Musical Mind
From Bollywood to Broadway, A.R. Rahman's melodies are conquering the world. Discover how this 'musical prodigy' creates chart-toppers that…
‘Music is My Means of Connecting with the Divine’: Rahman on His Spiritual Journey
A.R. Rahman reflects on music's spiritual dimension, from experiencing divine connection while composing Roja to witnessing the power of…
‘I Chose Love and I’m Here’: A.R. Rahman’s Double Oscar Victory Makes History
Bollywood Hungama gives a minute-by-minute account of the 81st Academy Awards, where Slumdog Millionaire's team, led by Rahman and Pookutty,…
‘Our Neighbor is an Oscar Winner’: Rahman’s Secret Ajmer Home Purchase Comes to Light
From quietly buying a triple-storied bungalow near the Dargah to surprising neighbors with his identity post-Oscar win, A.R. Rahman's…
One Rainy Night with A.R. Rahman: A Memory of the Music Maestro’s Path to Oscars
Through rain-soaked meetings and Oscar-day prayers, S. Ramakrishnan shares his encounters with Rahman and captures the moment when a voice…
Remembering the legends close to the maestro
This section honors the memory of the talented musicians and technicians who have worked with A.R. Rahman but have sadly passed away.
The Wisdom We’ve Lost: A Poignant Tribute to H. Sridhar Sir by Chinmayi Sripada
In a tribute post to the late sound engineer H. Sridhar, singer Chinmayi reflects on the profound impact he had on her life and career. Through heartfelt memories, she…
Revolutionizing Sound: How H. Sridhar shaped A.R. Rahman’s iconic soundtracks
In a blog post by Nandakumar Nayar, H. Sridhar is credited for pioneering recording techniques, reflecting on the hit collaboration started with "Chinna Chinna Aasai"…
Crafting Lagaan’s Soundscape: H Sridhar on A.R. Rahman, Period Authenticity, and Oscar Hopes
In a Rediff.com interview, sound engineer H Sridhar reveals the audio magic behind 'Lagaan'. From A.R. Rahman's compositions to recreating 1893 sound, Sridhar shares…
![[Ch. 01] R.K. Sekhar Master – The Unsung Melody Behind A.R. Rahman’s Musical Legacy](https://i0.wp.com/rahmaniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Print_Interview_2006.jpg?fit=768%2C480&ssl=1 "[Ch. 01] R.K. Sekhar Master – The Unsung Melody Behind A.R. Rahman’s Musical Legacy")
[Ch. 01] R.K. Sekhar Master – The Unsung Melody Behind A.R. Rahman’s Musical Legacy
Discover the musical journey of R.K. Sekhar, A.R. Rahman's father. From his early training to working with renowned composers, explore how Sekhar's talent and struggles…
![[Ch. 02] The A.R. Rahman Story – From Family Struggles to Musical Revolution](https://i0.wp.com/rahmaniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Print_Interview_2006-1.jpg?fit=768%2C480&ssl=1 "[Ch. 02] The A.R. Rahman Story – From Family Struggles to Musical Revolution")
[Ch. 02] The A.R. Rahman Story – From Family Struggles to Musical Revolution
Following his father's passing, young Dileep Kumar supported his family by lending instruments and playing keyboard. His journey from child prodigy to A.R. Rahman began…
![[Ch. 03] The Spiritual Journey of A. R. Rahman: From Dileep Kumar to Iconic Composer](https://i0.wp.com/rahmaniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Print_Interview_2006.jpg?fit=768%2C480&ssl=1 "[Ch. 03] The Spiritual Journey of A. R. Rahman: From Dileep Kumar to Iconic Composer")
[Ch. 03] The Spiritual Journey of A. R. Rahman: From Dileep Kumar to Iconic Composer
A. R. Rahman reflects on his journey from Dileep to Rahman, discussing how Islam provided him peace, his father's musical legacy, and how faith and discipline fueled his…
![[Ch. 04] Six-Year-Old A.R. Rahman’s First Composition: The Birth of a Musical Prodigy](https://i0.wp.com/rahmaniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Print_Interview_2006-1.jpg?fit=768%2C480&ssl=1 "[Ch. 04] Six-Year-Old A.R. Rahman’s First Composition: The Birth of a Musical Prodigy")
[Ch. 04] Six-Year-Old A.R. Rahman’s First Composition: The Birth of a Musical Prodigy
In 1975, a young A.R. Rahman, then known as Dileep, composed his first tune for the film "Penpada." Guided by his father, R.K. Sekhar, this unexpected composition marked…
![[Ch. 05] A Closer Look at the Cinematic Legacy of R.K. Sekhar: A Maestro’s Melodic Contributions](https://i0.wp.com/rahmaniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Print_Interview_2006-2.jpg?fit=768%2C480&ssl=1 "[Ch. 05] A Closer Look at the Cinematic Legacy of R.K. Sekhar: A Maestro’s Melodic Contributions")
[Ch. 05] A Closer Look at the Cinematic Legacy of R.K. Sekhar: A Maestro’s Melodic Contributions
R.K. Sekhar composed unforgettable scores for Indian cinema, working with legendary voices like KJ Yesudas and S. Janaki. His creative brilliance laid the groundwork for…
A.R. Rahman in the World of Others
“Reflections About Rahman” offers a unique glimpse into the personal and professional journeys of those who’ve worked with A.R. Rahman.
Latest Video Interviews
Discover A.R. Rahman’s creative process and personal insights through these exclusive video interviews. From his musical journey to behind-the-scenes stories, each conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most iconic composers.
‘I Want to Build a Bridge for People Who Are Trying to Break It’ – A.R. Rahman
In this interview with ABC News (Australia), the Oscar-winning composer discusses his Australian concert, Slumdog Millionaire's impact, and his mission to bridge cultural gaps.
Oscar Glory and Beyond: A.R. Rahman’s Candid Chat with Taran Adarsh for ETC Bollywood
The Oscar-winning composer opens up about balancing Hollywood and Bollywood, his creative process, and bringing fresh sounds to every track in this exclusive conversation with Taran Adarsh for ETC Bollywood.
A.R. Rahman Embraces AI: How Indian Music’s Maestro Shapes Tomorrow’s Sound
In an interview with The Week, the Oscar-winning composer explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and musical creativity, sharing his vision for technology's role in the future of composition.
A.R. Rahman’s Masterclass: Empowering young Indian filmmakers with musical wisdom
In an enlightening online session with Indian Flim and TV Institute, A.R. Rahman, the iconic Indian music composer, shares invaluable advice for young filmmakers eager to carve their own paths in the industry.
Symphony of Stories: A.R. Rahman talks ‘GoatLife’ soundtrack with Prithviraj Sukumaran
In an enlightening interview from the set of "GoatLife," A.R. Rahman and Prithviraj Sukumaran delve into the nuances of creating the film's soulful soundtrack and the story that inspired it.
Unveiling musical mastery: A.R. Rahman and RJ Salil discuss creativity and the future of music
In an engaging interview on Radio City India, A.R. Rahman, alongside RJ Salil, delves into the intricacies of his musical journey, discussing his innovative approach to Chamkila and Maidaan.
Popular Fan Stories
Print & Web Interviews from the Archives
Take a step back in time and explore the captivating journey of A.R. Rahman through these rare print and web interviews.
Print Interviews: 2000
Step into the year 2000 with A.R. Rahman as he shares his thoughts on his musical journey, his approach to creating timeless melodies, and…
Print Interviews: 2001
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter and…
Print Interviews: 2002
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter,…
Print Interviews: 2003
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter,…
Print Interviews: 2004
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter,…
Print Interviews: 2005
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter,…
Print Interviews: 2006
In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of interviews conducted with the renowned Indian composer, singer-songwriter,…
Print Interviews: 2007
Join A.R. Rahman in a series of candid conversations from the year 2007, as he opens up about his musical milestones, his approach to…
Print Interviews: 2008
Take a journey back to 2008, where Rahman welcomes us into his world right before Slumdog Millionaire would catapult him to global…
Print Interviews: 2009
Let’s step back to 2009 – a golden year when A.R. Rahman sat down with us, fresh off his Oscar win for “Slumdog Millionaire.” These…
Print Interviews: 1999
Dive into the mind of A.R. Rahman at the cusp of a new millennium. These 1999 interviews capture the maestro reflecting on his meteoric…
Print Interviews: 1998
Step into 1998 and explore A.R. Rahman’s world at a pivotal moment in his career. These rare print interviews capture the maestro’s…
Concerts & Special Events
Explore a curated image collection of A.R. Rahman’s most unforgettable concerts and key events.
50 Days Celebration of Maamannan – Exclusive Images (2023)
Explore the gallery from the 50 Days Celebration of Maamannan in August 2023, featuring A.R. Rahman, Udhay Stalin, Mari Selvaraj, Vadivelu, and Keerthy Suresh. Discover moments from…
A.R. Rahman visits Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2018)
In July 2018, A.R. Rahman visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to explore interactive music systems and cutting-edge technologies, blending music with innovation.
A.R. Rahman Live in Concert – Sharjah, UAE (2017)
Relive the magic of A.R. Rahman's "Live in Concert" on March 17, 2017, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE, where the maestro's compositions transcended boundaries, weaving…
A. R. Rahman’s ‘Marakkuma Nenjam’ Concert, Chennai (2023)
Explore the breathtaking imagery from the "Marakkuma Nenjam" concert, held on 10 September 2023 in Chennai, commemorating three decades of A.R. Rahman's career in music, fondly known…
A.R. Rahman at M.S.V. Felicitation Ceremony, Chennai (2005)
In 2005, A.R. Rahman attended the felicitation ceremony for legendary composer M.S. Vishwanathan at the Music Academy, Chennai. Explore the gallery showcasing moments from this…
A. R. Rahman’s ‘Netru, Indru, Naalai’ Concert, Chennai (2018)
Immerse yourself in the stunning visuals from A.R. Rahman's "Netru, Indru, Naalai" concert in Chennai on 12 January 2018, a celebration that marked 25 years of his transcendent music.
Le Musk Premieres at Infinity Festival Hollywood (2022)
In 2022, A.R. Rahman debuted his immersive VR film Le Musk at the Infinity Festival Hollywood, North America's premiere, showcasing his innovative foray into cinematic virtual…
A. R. Rahman’s ‘Marakkuma Nenjam’ Concert, Coimbatore (2023)
Immerse yourself in the stunning images from the "Marakkuma Nenjam" concert, held on 20 August 2023 in Coimbatore, celebrating 30 years of A.R. Rahman's musical journey,…
A.R. Rahman Live in Concert – Coca Cola Arena, Dubai (2019)
Step into the breath taking spectacle of A.R. Rahman’s concert on November 15, 2019, at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai's premier destination for live entertainment nestled in City Walk.
A.R. Rahman Live in Concert – SVICC, Mauritius (2016)
Dive into the enchanting moments from A.R. Rahman Live concert at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre, Mauritius, on December 10, 2016, showcasing his timeless music.
Promo Shoots & Press Coverages
Iconic promotional shoots and press coverages of A.R. Rahman, capturing his artistic collaborations with renowned brands and global media.
A. R. Rahman’s Golden Globe Win: A Historic Moment (2009)
Explore the extensive media coverage of A.R. Rahman's monumental Golden Globe win in 2009, a groundbreaking achievement that made him the first Indian composer to earn this…
Behind the Mac with A.R. Rahman: Apple Promo Shoot
Dive into 'Behind the Mac with A.R. Rahman,' a glimpse into the musical maestro's workflow during the Apple promotional shoot, where technology leader meets creative genius.
Harmony with A.R. Rahman Series: Amazon Prime Promo Shoot
Step into the magic of 'Harmony with A.R. Rahman' through an exclusive behind-the-scenes look from the Amazon Prime promo shoot, showcasing the musical journey of a legend.
Today at Apple: Capturing A.R. Rahman’s Musical Mastery
Discover 'Today at Apple: A.R. Rahman Images'—a gallery showing the music star's special event in India during 2020. See the exclusive pictures that bring his music and creativity to life.
How ‘A.R. Rahman listens to A.R. Rahman’: JBL Promo Shoot
Delve into the intimate world of 'How A.R. Rahman listens to A.R. Rahman' through the exclusive JBL Harman promo photo shoot, showcasing his relationship with sound and melody.
Gloss of Genius: A.R. Rahman photo shoot for ‘Sheenlac’
'Always shine with Sheenlac' campaign bridges the worlds of music and aesthetics, illustrating how Rahman's timeless compositions align with Sheenlac's commitment to beauty and durability.