The interview which appears below, was originally published on The Hindu in October 2005. ©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.
Today, A.R. Rahman is one of the world’s most successful musicians. With a brand name like Rahman, movies rake in millions. But it isn’t just Rahman’s exceptional enthusiasm that’s so contagious, but also the quality and success of the work he’s churning out.
The man has redefined contemporary Indian music and is an icon for millions all over the world—a man who needs no introduction. In Melbourne, Australia, for a concert for Charities through Indian Arts in Australia in aid of Udayan’s destitute children, Rahman shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview.
What is the one thing that has made you what you are today?
I can’t limit it to one thing. But definitely, it is passion, dedication, enthusiasm, well-wishers, all my singers, and my team.
How did you begin?
I was selected for a scholarship to Trinity Music College of London. Later, I returned to India with a dream of bringing an international and contemporary world perspective to Indian music. Slowly, I initiated my own sound and recording studio and began experimenting in sound engineering, sound design, and sound production. I started with a collection of sounds, creating one of the most comprehensive sonic libraries in Asia.
A.R. Rahman as a person, what is he like? What do you enjoy apart from music?
I am a very simple person at heart. I enjoy time with my family in Chennai. I love having my family around. I also like catching up with friends and chatting.
With your music and a recording studio at home, how do your neighbors react while you belt out music (and we all know you do it at an ungodly hour)?
(Laughs) Thankfully, they don’t queue up! Seriously, my neighbors are not intrusive. There are some school kids who might use my music at night as an excuse not to go to school, but it’s all good otherwise.
You seem to pick a nobody and make him or her a star. How do you recruit talent?
Well, they are singers with a passion. And I find them at auditions, through friends, and at studios. I like working with raw talent and encouraging their voice. Recent finds such as Kailash Kher, I feel, is the “Chota Nusrat,” and Madhushree, who sang “Kisna” tunes, is a dedicated and sincere singer.
We also have successful, established singers with passion, I am sure…
Yes, but these raw talents can be modulated, nurtured, and molded. And I love working with fresh voices.
We know that casting couches exist in the film industry. Do singing couches exist in the industry?
That is something I haven’t been asked before. (Serious look)… Not in my case.
You have done many Bollywood films but also expressed disinterest in working in Bollywood. Why?
Too many period films in Hindi—”1947-Earth,” “Zubeida,” “Lagaan,” “The Legend Of Bhagat Singh,” “Water,” “Bose: The Forgotten Hero,” “Kisna.” I’ve worked hard on each theme, but the end result hasn’t been worth it. The songs were either pushed into the background or not used at all or worse still, used badly. I feel very frustrated by this. But what can I do? Composing tunes is my job. How they are used is not.
How important is formal training for a singer?
Not much. One has to have the talent. Then, with riyaz, one can polish the voice.
Don’t you think that the guru-sishya breed is dying?
No. I still feel people, with a true passion and genuine interest, are willing to accept a guru and learn from them. It’s always a two-way process. The guru learns too.
You have always claimed “Roja” is your personal best and always seem to deliver a hit for Mani Ratnam. Why the favoritism?
(Laughs loudly, pauses, and then nods) Call it first love. Mani knows the art of using good music. Also, “Roja” made me what I am. It was a turning point for me. Many films were being made. But “Roja” was a turning point for the music industry too.
You have recently penned the U.N.’s Poverty Anthem… how did this happen?
The U.N. approached me to either work on a “STOP TB” campaign or with poverty issues around the world. I felt drawn towards the plight of the poverty-stricken. Especially being an Indian, this was closest to my heart. I wrote it along with Blaze, a hip-hop rap artist, and it is in English. The song is very emotional and close to my heart.
What other causes are close to your heart?
Child welfare, health issues, and of course, charities of any kind inspire me.
You have also sung “One Vision” penned by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Yes. The song has the conviction to touch each Indian; the belief to give voice to the children of India. The President is passionate about children; so am I. We have used the voices of children to elevate the experience. Also, it comes with a promise of becoming the symbol of dreams for India’s children.
“Bombay Dreams”… How did that happen?
I was keen to work on a musical dance extravaganza… When Andrew Lloyd Webber approached me, there was no looking back. And Shekhar Kapur, who introduced me to Webber, told me that he was impressed with my “Chaiya Chaiya” tune and wanted to meet me.
Your views on piracy? Being a “music legend,” you have the right medium to spread the message, why haven’t you come out and spoken about piracy?
I think piracy is bad and should be punished. But sadly, India doesn’t have strict laws to curb it. It is not under my control, and there is no point in battling piracy unless the people realize that to support us artists, they need to buy original tracks. The onus is on the people to make a conscious decision. We showcased Indian culture to a global audience melodiously through music and gracefully through dance.
An upcoming project that fans should look out for?
“Rang De Basanti.”
Your message for young singers?
Always follow your dreams.
