The interview which appears below, was originally published on "I Love ARR Podcast" in May 2021. ©The rights to this material are reserved to the owner. If you have any concerns or comments, please send an email to info@rahmaniac.com.
It’s an absolute honor to have you on the podcast today, Nazeef. I’ve known you for a few years through my cousin Satya, and I’ve always had this banter with him that I am a bigger fan of A.R. Rahman, but you claim to be the biggest fan. Can you tell us more about this?
Well, there is no such thing as the biggest fan. We all love Sir’s music, that’s all that matters. But it would be amazing to take a picture with the three of us next time we’re in India and let Sir decide who the greatest fan is.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve also heard from some of your colleagues that they absolutely love you for the person you are, and they all enjoy working with you during tours. What do you attribute this to?
I’m so touched by those words, and I’m thankful to the almighty and Sir for making all of this happen. I have a great set of colleagues, friends, and artists who work closely with me and we become a family very quickly. I think we’re all connected by art and heart.
Can you tell me where it all started? When did you feel that Rahman and his music had an impact on you?
There are two parts to it – the music and the man. For me, it all started when I was five years old when “Roja” was released. I was immediately drawn to the new sound that Rahman was creating and it resonated with me. As I grew up, his music grew up with me and became a part of my life. I was involved in cultural events in school and I would choose Rahman’s songs for performances. People started assuming that I was his biggest fan in school.
Can you share a specific moment that stands out for you?
One moment that stands out for me was when the albums “Yuva” and “Nayak” were released in class 11. These two albums really got into every nerve of mine and established my relationship with Rahman. The title track of the movie has always been a favorite of mine. It’s anthemic to me and I would stand up every time it was being played. For me, the song was a representation of the love between Rahman and me, and not just the love between two characters in the movie.
That’s incredible. How did you first meet Rahman?
I lived in Chennai during my schooling but never got a chance to meet him. But I always knew that I was going to follow him, and God was kind enough to make that happen.
Nazeef, could you tell us about your journey to becoming the concert manager of A.R. Rahman?
I was actually hesitantly moved to Bangalore for my engineering studies, but within 15 days of moving, I saw an ad in the paper for a live gig of A.R. Rahman. I was a part of the A.R Rahman Yahoo fan club and finally got the chance to meet him on October 7th, 2005. It was an amazing experience to meet such a big legend in flesh and blood. He spent a few minutes with us, asking each one of our names and shaking hands with us. After he left, I realized what a warm human being he was and I felt that I had to work with him someday.
That’s incredible. How has working with A.R. Rahman been?
It has been a revelation for me. A.R. Rahman is such a big legend who has achieved so much in life and has done so much for the nation. It’s not easy for someone like him to give young beginners a chance to represent his work and collaborate with him, but he has always been open to working with young minds and hearts. He has actually been the springboard for so many of us to take a leap and dive to the next level. I don’t know of any composer who has been such a gateway of opportunities, and in a large way, he’s building jobs and empowering many engineers, technicians, and programmers. I am one amongst the many thousands who have worked for him and on behalf of all of them, I thank him.
That’s amazing. Can you tell us more about his enterprising side and how he’s been able to build such a successful factory of music?
A.R. Rahman has always gambled with young minds and hearts, allowing them to take a leap. He has a big heart and has always been open to working with people who are not necessarily guaranteed to deliver. He’s building a factory of music that includes many studios, engineers, technicians, and programmers. It’s empowering and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
Can you tell us about your transition from being a fan to working with Rahman Sir?
If I were in your shoes and suddenly started working with Rahman Sir, I would have been nervous too. But, to be honest, there was no transition. I think the fan in me only keeps growing because the more I live and work with him, the more I get to know him personally. And, the more I get to know him, the more I admire him and his music.
That’s quite a remarkable journey. Can you tell us more about working with Rahman Sir and the team that you lead?
Representing Rahman Sir and leading a team to help him achieve his goals is a huge responsibility. It’s not an easy task, especially when you consider that Rahman Sir is one of the biggest names not only in India but in the world. It’s a lot of pressure, especially when you travel outside of India for tours, as we have done in Australia, the US, and many other countries.
That’s true. Rahman Sir has a huge global following, and his concerts and tours are highly anticipated. Can you share with us some of the challenges you have faced while working with Rahman Sir and your team?
One of the biggest challenges is coordinating and managing the logistics of these tours. It involves coordinating with local authorities, venue managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Another challenge is ensuring that the quality of the performances is maintained, regardless of where the concerts are held. And, of course, working with a team of individuals who have different backgrounds and expertise can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
That’s amazing. And I’m sure it must have been a big responsibility to represent one of the biggest names in the world, especially with tours not only within India but also outside the country. How did you handle the pressure?
Full credit goes to Sir Rahman for making me feel comfortable and responsible at the same time. He is very approachable and treats everyone with equal responsibility, whether it’s a colleague or a team member. He has taught me to be careful about everything I write or release, as it should move people in the right way and contribute positively to the world.
That’s truly inspiring. Can you tell us more about his humble approach to his work and the people around him?
Rahman Sir is incredibly humble and doesn’t make you feel like you’re working for such a big person. He doesn’t make you conscious of your actual situation and always tries to keep things calming and positive. He is very careful about what he delivers to the people and always tries to make things enlightening, even if the song or the visuals are dark. He wants to only contribute positively to the world, and that’s the kind of hand-picking and care he takes with everything he does.
That’s really fascinating. Can you tell us about how he has influenced you personally?
Working with Rahman Sir has changed me in many ways, particularly in my spiritual life. Before, I had a slipping faith, but working with him has shown me the power of believing in God. He lives his faith beautifully, and that has inspired me to try it out myself. I now have a stronger belief in faith, and it has been especially helpful during these tough times.
Can you share any particularly memorable moments?
One moment that stands out to me was when the pandemic first started and many shows were being cancelled. I was worried about all the responsibilities I had and the people I was responsible for. But Rahman Sir called me and told me not to worry, that it was just a storm and it would pass, and that things would come back even better. His words were so true and uplifting, and they helped me stay positive even in the face of adversity.
And what about in these difficult times?
Rahman Sir is a true inspiration, especially during these tough times. When everyone was feeling uncertain and overwhelmed with the situation, he called me and reassured me that it’s just a storm and it will pass. We were in the middle of a tour, with 18 cities confirmed and more unannounced shows, but everything was indefinitely postponed. I was worried about so many things and people I was responsible for, but he just told me not to worry and that it will come back even better. His words of encouragement have kept me from slipping into depression or worry, and I’m just waiting for the storm to pass.
That’s truly inspiring. What are some of the other philosophies that Rahman has taught you?
Rahman has taught me so much, and one of his philosophies that has stuck with me is when you become too intelligent, art suffers. He taught me to think with my heart and not with my mind. It’s an interesting concept, and I have applied it in many areas of my life.
Absolutely. And speaking of these difficult times, the current situation has affected all sectors and industries, including the entertainment industry. How has it affected your work as a concert manager?
The situation is definitely challenging, and our industry has been hit hard. We are still able to do some work from home, but from a business point of view, it’s been a big hit. We have had pay cuts, and thousands of jobs have been lost. People who were living a comfortable life just a week before lockdown are now relying on government subsidies.
It’s a strange situation, where everyone is affected equally, but the recovery for our industry will take longer because entertainment is not a priority right now. People can listen to music on CDs, iTunes, or YouTube, and there’s no need to gather in large crowds to watch a concert. Our industry depends on large numbers, and the larger the numbers, the more money is made. So the thrive of our industry will take its own time to come back.
It sounds like the events and entertainment industry has been affected greatly by the current situation. Can you tell us more about how it has impacted your work?
Yes, the industry is totally dependent on numbers and right now, people can’t even gather in large numbers. It’s challenging to do a concert with 40,000 people. The digitization of concerts is just a temporary solution and can’t replace the personal touch and aura of live events. Our industry is stretched the most and it’s going to take more time to come back.
How has BToS adapted to the situation?
We’ve moved digitally and have been trying to figure things out. The consumption of content on OTT platforms has spiked up, but our industry has not seen a spike because we have nothing to offer right now as a ground event company.
What do you admire about the current situation?
I admire the fact that even through all of this, people have still managed to put a smile on their face.
That’s great to hear. How have you been keeping yourself positive and motivated during this difficult time?
I believe it’s important to stay positive and be a source of positivity for my team. Although there have been financial compromises, I wanted to stay at the top of the ladder and show people that it’s not over yet. This is just a pause, and things will restart better than before. It’s my responsibility to carry forward the positivity I receive from others and help everybody else. Our conversations with the artists are always positive, and we’re using this time to make new music and collaborate on things that we couldn’t do before because of our busy schedules.
Can you tell us more about the collaborations you’re doing during this time?
I’m trying to bring together different artists through a project called cross-pollination. The idea is to create a cross-link pattern between artists, so that at the end of this period, we have 300 new songs. This is something that we wouldn’t have been able to do if things were normal because of our busy schedules. But now, we have the time to sit back, relax, and talk to friends who are artists to see if we can do something together. I’m spreading this message to everybody so that they can use this time wisely and be proud of what they’ve done during the lockdown.
That sounds very exciting. How do you think this situation has impacted independent music and the music industry as a whole?
This is a great time for independent music to rise. Films won’t be released soon, and new film songs won’t be made soon. This is the time for independent music to shine. We have the opportunity to create something new and innovative that wouldn’t have been possible before. It’s important to use this time wisely, because once things open up, we’ll be running the race again and won’t have time for these kinds of collaborations and interactions.
So, you recently mentioned that there is a silent revolution happening in the music industry, can you elaborate on that a bit more?
The film music industry in India is so enormous that it tends to eat up everything else. However, with the monster now sleeping, it’s time for smaller independent artists to rise up and create an ecosystem where independent music can coexist with film music. People are creating amazing tracks in their home studios, and I am here for every artist who needs any service from us.
And, with the recent lockdown, how have you and the creative team been keeping yourselves productive and working?
Well, the creative team has been very busy, despite the lockdown and limited resources. We didn’t want to sit idle and instead, we took this as a challenge and continued working on concepts and putting out videos. In fact, we just finished a video for ‘Jwala Mukhi’ that’s premiering tonight on A.R. Rahman’s social media. We shot the video remotely, with social distancing measures in place, and it was a lot of fun putting it together.
Do you have any “me time” at all in the current phase we are in?
I do actually. I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to whole albums, not just individual tracks. I’ve been listening to A.R. Rahman’s albums back to back and giving them the time and love they deserve. It feels like me time in a way, especially since I’m also spending more time with my family. Listening to his music the way it’s supposed to be heard is just so beautiful.
How did A.R. Rahman come up with the idea for “Oh Ashika?”
I often wonder how he came up with such a magical creation. It’s just so incredible that he was able to put such emotions into a song. The way he created the ode to a mother and made it more than just being Indian is genius. The underlying patriotic feeling is still there, but making it a tribute to the motherland and then to “Ma” was a huge leap and it made the song connect with even more people.
What is it about A.R. Rahman’s music that makes you so emotional?
His music just has a way of touching my soul. The emotion he puts into each song is just unmatched. His songs about mothers are especially beautiful, like “O Ma” which is so special to me. I’m always in tears when I listen to it.
How do you feel about being part of the crowd of A.R. Rahman’s billion fans?
I feel incredibly lucky and fortunate. Just being part of this crowd of fans, and having access to and being close to him, is just amazing. His kindness has even made us better human beings. When I meet other fans and see their passion and detail, I always go back to myself and realize how lucky I am to be working with him.
Can you tell us about your experience being a part of his team?
He is not only a musical genius but also has an incredible understanding of technology, visuals, graphics, camera lenses, and the technical aspects behind the camera. Whether it’s a 360 camera, a single cam or a multi-cam setup, his knowledge in each of these areas is like an endless ocean.
Can you share with us any specific moments that stand out in your time working with him?
One of the most memorable moments was in 2015 during the first big tour of Mr. Rahman, the NITI tour. I was a show director for the tour and he randomly asked me why we don’t shoot this tour and make it into a proper musical documentary. I told him that I didn’t know how to do it, but he believed in me and told me that I knew how to do it. He encouraged me to not limit myself and said, “What’s the worst that can happen? You will fail but you learn.” That’s how the “One Heart” documentary was shot.
I started archiving b-rolls, backstage footage, and bus journeys for personal use, but when he saw glimpses of it, he encouraged me to put it all together professionally. That was halfway through the tour in Austin and became the “One Heart” documentary that many of you have seen.
What was it like shooting a documentary while on tour and how did you manage to capture those special moments?
Shooting the documentary while on tour was a unique experience. We were 18 cities back to back, going from one city to another on buses, and stopping at donut stores in the middle of the night because we were hungry. A.R. Rahman always invited someone or the other on the bus, and those long traveling hours on the bus with conversations and fun bonding moments led to the creation of “One Heart.” The shows were like a break in the middle, and the journey was always continuous.
Can you share with us how he empowers those around him?
He has an innate ability to figure out if he can trust someone with his knowledge and then pass it on to them. He spots talent beyond an audio studio and sees someone’s potential beyond their current role. For example, the person who used to serve food in the canteen for us is now shooting videos for us. He empowers those around him and helps them reach their full potential.
I heard that the sound design for the One Heart film was a big focus for A.R. Rahman. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Rahman Sir took a lot of personal care in ensuring that the sound quality was top-notch for the One Heart film. He worked very closely with the sound designer and made sure that the mix was designed in a way that would transport people in the theater to feel like they were actually at a live concert. The goal was to create a dynamic, immersive experience for the audience, not just an ordinary stereo sound like in most films.
Can you tell us about your experiences traveling with A.R. Rahman, particularly in LA?
I have spent a lot of time in LA with Rahman Sir, and it’s a special place for us. We often go for walks and have breakfast together at a place called The Grove, where we can relax and enjoy our meals without being disturbed by crowds. In LA, we are able to spend more quality time together and make some great memories. I even had the opportunity to sit in the car with Rahman Sir as he drove, though unfortunately not in the famous white convertible.
Speaking of tours, what goes into planning a tour with A.R. Rahman? How far in advance do you start planning and what are some of the biggest challenges you face?
The toughest part of planning a tour is putting together the setlist, as A.R. Rahman has over 700 tracks to choose from. Each song is special to the fans, and it can be difficult to choose just 30 or 35 songs to include in the setlist. But, the planning process usually starts several months in advance, and it involves coordinating with a large number of people and teams, from the musicians and sound engineers to the lighting and stage designers.
Can you tell us about the duet between A.R. Rahman and Hariharan that took place at the Trichy concert?
Before the Trichy concert, I had told A.R. Rahman that I would love to hear him sing “Tamizha Tamizha” because I had heard a snippet of it in an award show and it sounded so sublime. I suggested that we could do a duet version with him and Hariharan. A.R. Rahman said let’s see, but if Hariharan is there, he should sing it.
I later met with Hariharan and I told him about the songs we had planned for the concert. He gave me some recommendations. I then came up with a compromising idea and suggested that we do a duet between the two of them since I knew that A.R. Rahman, being the kind-hearted and large-hearted man he is, would only allow Hariharan to sing.
When we were finalizing the concert in Rahman Sir’s room, I pitched the idea of a duet. Rahman Sir said no, when Hariharan is there, he should sing it, as he is the original singer. But Hariharan looked at him and said no, we’re going to do it together. And when they started jamming together with just a piano, it was absolutely magical. Rahman Sir was playing some complex chords, and Hariharan was flowing on top of it. It was so emotional that I had to run to the bathroom to cry.
That’s amazing. So, it was a pre-planned duet between Hariharan and yourself?
Yes, that’s correct. I wanted to make sure that the duet would happen, so I pre-planned it with Hariharan. I knew that A.R. Rahman would only allow Hariharan to sing, so I suggested the duet so that two voices would be better than one. And I’m so glad it happened because the blending of their voices was absolutely incredible.
Can you tell us about the reaction of the audience and the technical crew during the performance?
When the song finished, all of us in the console – the sound, lighting, visual, and camera crew – all of us in unison stopped working. We just stood there and lived the moment. We didn’t want to be technicians moving knobs, we wanted to experience the magic of the performance. And when A.R. Rahman and Hariharan came to the end of the song, we were all blown away. It was boss level, as you put it. We all gave up, there was no technician working for those two to three minutes, we all just stood there and lived the moment.
Let’s start by talking about your journey with A.R. Rahman. How did you get involved with him and his team?
It all started with Hariji. He passed on a letter to Mr. Rahman introducing me and my work. That was in 2007 and I’ll always be grateful to him and everyone who helped me along the way.
That’s a great story. It’s amazing that he still remembers it and tells it to people even now.
Yes, it truly is. And that’s why I always emphasize to my team the importance of treating fans well. They are the ones who make us and the journey to get here is not easy. They first go to concerts as fans, fall in love with it, then find a small job to work their way up. If they’re good enough, they get noticed and that’s how they eventually get to where they are.
That’s a great point. And it’s not just about the music, but also about the person behind the music. What do you think makes A.R. Rahman so special and inspiring to you?
There are so many things. His personality, his capability to help others grow, his aura and vibe, his philanthropy. He does so much for people, society, and poverty upliftment behind closed doors without publicizing it. The A.R. Rahman Foundation, the Sunshine Orchestra, and the One Heart Foundation are just a few examples. It’s truly inspiring.
That’s amazing. And he’s not just a talented musician, but also a great leader and teacher.
Absolutely. He motivates you when you need it the most, guides you and teaches you, even now. He sends me information to upgrade myself, always teaching me and never making me feel small or subordinate. It’s incredible how he finds time for everyone and never makes you feel like you’re just a subordinate. He treats everyone equally, which is a rare quality to find in people these days.
And what about his music? How has it influenced and inspired you?
Oh, his music. It’s changed my life and I’m sure it’s changed the lives of so many others. It’s emotional for me to even think about it. He has a way of moving people and inspiring them with his music. I’m just one small part of the universe called A.R. Rahman.
That’s a beautiful way to put it. And even with all his success, he still takes the time to respond to people and make them feel heard.
Yes, that’s true. No matter how busy he is, he always finds time to respond. You can call him up for the silliest thing and he’ll call you back. He takes every query seriously and never makes you feel small or inferior.
How do you manage to balance work and life when you’re constantly on the go for concerts?
It can be a challenge, but we tend to prioritize work over sleep during concerts. However, Rahman Sir is always reminding us, and himself, to take breaks and get enough sleep. He knows that in order to deliver on the day of the show, he needs to be well-rested. These life lessons are more valuable than anything else coming from him.
Can you share with us an instance when A.R. Rahman showed his genuine concern for others?
Yes, I remember when I was on a tour with him and it was around 1 am for me. The first thing he asked me was if I was okay and if I had enough sleep. It was a small gesture, but it showed how much he cares about others. He doesn’t do anything for the sake of it and is always genuine in his actions.
Can you give us a quick list of five songs that you would recommend for the fans?
My first recommendation would be “Jai Ho” from the movie “Slumdog Millionaire.” Next, I would recommend “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa” from the movie of the same name. Third, I would recommend “Maa Tujhe Salaam” from the album “Vande Mataram.” Fourth, I would recommend “Rangeela Re” from the movie “Rangeela.” And last but not least, I would recommend “Humma Humma” from the movie “Bombay.”
