The interview which appears below was originally published on Desi Entertaintment Online in June 2001. ©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.
Allah Rakha Rahman is one of the biggest music directors of today. In 1988, A.R Rahman’s sisters fell seriously ill and numerous attempts to cure her failed. Her condition progressively worsened. The family had given up all hope when they came in contact with a Muslim Peer – Sheik Abdul Qadir Jeelani or Pir Qadri as he was popularly known.
With his prayers and blessings, Dileep’s sister made a miraculous recovery. Rattled by the bad experience and influenced by the teachings of the Pir, the entire family converted to Islam. Thus A.S.Dileep Kumar became Allah Rakha Rahman.
We caught up with A.R. Rahman and asked him a few questions.
You have given us such beautiful music. Who is the main source of your inspiration? And which is one of your all-time favorite movies?
My music’s source lies in nature. I am happy to say that I am generally inspired by nature and this is a good sign for a professional music director. There is a lot to see in nature and by this, there is a lot to conquer in the world. My all-time favorite movie is Sound Of Music. A music director generally looks only at the music in a movie and that helps him in judging the whole thing which is a really wrong concept. However, I mainly give 80% attention to the music of a movie. This in turn helps me to make good music.
Did you always have a feeling that you would become a music director?
In a way, yes. I was studying till the ninth grade at Padma Seshadri School after which I left the school just for the sake of money. Then, later I joined a music college. So, I always had the feeling that I will specialize in the musical field.
What kind of music do you generally like and how do you find your music compared to music of other directors?
My favorite kinds of music are Bach, Beethoven, Carnatic and Mozart music. Regarding comparing, music is common in all languages, and comparing is of course a part of life now. We all have to live with it. I feel really nice when my music is compared with top music directors like Anu Malik and now, Rajesh Roshan. Although the awards are the real judgment, I like the type of music I make and it’s not that bad.
Taal was your biggest-ever hit in the music field. How would you rate your music for that movie? And is there anything special about the music of Lagaan?
My music for Subhash Ghai’s Taal was just too good to hear. Okay, but still I would rate my music only 8 out of 10. The rest 2 marks I would keep with me because I still feel I really need to grow up as a music director. I’m also giving music for Aamir Khan’s Lagaan. Okay, the cassettes are already in the stores and I really enjoyed giving music for it. It is also one of my best works.
Coming to personal life, how about telling a bit about your wife and children?
I am married to Saira and we have one daughter, Khatija. Saira is also a source of inspiration. She helps me with my work i.e. music. My wife is my greatest fan, I suppose. Khatija is 6 years old and of course, she too likes music.
Indian music is greatly influenced by Arabic music. What do you have to say about it?
Arabic music is just great. I wonder how the music directors come up with amazing and different music for each and every film/album. I think I’m nothing compared to the music directors of the Arabian desert.
How was it achieving a Padmasri?
Of course, great. My mom was the happiest person when she came to know about it. Even all the music directors praised me for achieving it. It is something really great to achieve.
Any plans of coming to the movies?
No way.
What is the last message you would like to give our readers?
I would prefer more music directors in India as I know a lot of them to have in-born talents. Just a suggestion, choose the right way and always listen to your heart. Don’t come under pressure from other people.
