The interview which appears below, was originally published on Hindustan Times in August 2007. ©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.
Music composer A.R. Rahman delves into the spirit of independence in a tete-a-tete with Shaikh Ayaz.
What does freedom mean to you?
There’s so much unrest everywhere, for years people in Palestine, Iraq, Iran and Jammu and Kashmir, have been suffering. For someone like me, freedom is precious. I feel safe in my country. But what about those who continue to struggle and suffer? We should ask ourselves, “What does freedom mean to them?” I’m sure we’ll get the right answer from our heart.
Do you think Indians take freedom for granted?
No, no I’m not saying that. I’m speaking only for myself. The amazing thing about India is that it offers opportunities to everyone. A lower middle class person in Mumbai or Delhi earns Rs 2,500 every month, has a house, a family to which he returns home every day. He’s happy despite his limited means of income.
Can there be a solution?
It’s not easy. There are oceans to be filled, every drop of water matters. We lack tolerance, which is why there are outbreaks of violence and unrest. It’s like a marriage on its way to trouble zone. The only solution is divorce.
What are your earliest memories of Independence Day?
Oh, I’ve always been influenced by patriotic Tamil films.
Are you overtly patriotic?
My patriotism is not in-your-face.. it’s very personal. I try to do things within my sphere, like composing a patriotic song for the youth.
Like the ones in The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Rang De Basanti and Swades?
Precisely. Today, the definitions of freedom and patriotism have changed.. even in films. If a lyricist gives me preachy words like, ‘mera desh’ or ‘meri dharti’, I tell him they won’t work.
Haven’t films like Rang de and Lage Raho Munnabhai contributed towards the perception of freedom?
Absolutely. They have a social message, although they may not be patriotic films in the literal sense. They are intelligent films..when you don’t preach, you’re more effective.
