The interview which appears below, was originally published on Kumudham Magazine in January 2008. ©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.
When you see Rahman, the first thing that strikes you is his simplicity. He makes you very comfortable and speaks to you as if you are a college friend. This time was no different.
“The keyboard and mixer that you see hanging on the wall are the ones that I used for ‘Roja.’ In remembrance of my first movie, I still keep them here,” says Rahman, pointing at the wall.
In an interview on Kalaignar TV, Director SJ Surya mentioned that the other name for simplicity and modesty is Rahman. How can you remain so simple, without ego?
This cannot be planned. When you embark on a spiritual path, ego automatically disappears. Why do Hindus apply ‘vibhuti’ (sacred ash) on their foreheads? It is to emphasize that we will all become ash one day. Name, fame, and money – all these hold value only until we die. It is enough if one frequently contemplates death – feelings of jealousy and thoughts of undermining others to reach the top vanish, and in their place, fear and modesty arise.
Your perspective is very philosophical. How so?
Life has taught me a lot,” he laughs. “Once, when I visited Gulbarga, I purchased a book titled ‘Isi Ahmeddia Dheen’. It compiles the lessons life has taught us, from the beginning of existence. It was an easy read, presented in the form of short verses. Yet, it was profoundly interesting. Finishing it, I realized, ‘Oh… is life just this?
Anyone who reads this book will mature significantly.
You are involved with Kollywood, Bollywood, and Hollywood. Is there time for your family?
Yes, it is challenging. Sometimes, I have to stay away from my family for two to three months. I’m forced to keep in touch only through video conferencing. My children aren’t interested in expensive toys. They just want my presence. They long for my hugs and praises.
Recently, my second daughter wanted me to attend her school day function, which coincided with a trip abroad. Her words, ‘You don’t attend my functions, but I have to listen to all your music… I won’t listen to your music anymore!’ struck me deeply. I rescheduled my plans to be with her for the function. She was overjoyed.
There are rumors that ‘Sakkaraikatti’ is delayed because you haven’t composed the songs. What’s your response?
He laughs, “So, they’ve come up with this now, have they? All songs, except one, have been recorded. When director Kalaa Prabhu approached me for the movie’s music, I honestly told him there would be delays…He said, ‘It’s okay even if it takes 10 years. I’ll wait!’ No one waits for 10 years, right?” He laughs again. “I found the project interesting, so I agreed!”
At the felicitation ceremony for your guru, T.V. Gopalakrishnan, we heard you arrived and left promptly.
He didn’t even know I was attending. I went there to surprise him, and he was visibly moved. However, I had a violin section scheduled for recording in a Hindi movie, so I had to leave. Even TVG understood!
What’s the issue between you and Shah Rukh Khan? Why did you refuse to compose for ‘Om Shanti Om’?
There’s no personal issue between us. I couldn’t compose for that movie due to a contract disagreement. They wanted to use the music in other Hollywood movies. The music would be credited to me, but they wouldn’t compensate me for its use elsewhere. This could set a problematic precedent for all music directors. Thus, I declined.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and if I relinquish all rights, anything could happen in the future. Many composers, despite their popular music, don’t profit from it and live in rented houses. It’s unfortunate. In other countries, composers can live comfortably off the earnings from a single hit song.
Ilayaraja has produced many hits, but compared to today’s composers, does he earn less?
Yes! Let’s say he composed music for around 500 movies. With about six songs per movie, that’s roughly 3,000 songs. However, I’m not sure if he has been compensated fairly for his work. If he had been, he could afford to buy the entire state of Tamil Nadu! We are all concerned.
Until now, it’s been manageable, but I aim to be cautious in the future. Even if songs are pirated, composers abroad receive their due. Here, no matter how popular the songs become, the returns are minimal.
What do you think about remix songs?
It’s not wrong to create remixes. It’s a trend. These trends will last only as long as people enjoy them. Eventually, this trend will fade away. There are good remixes and bad ones. Preserving the essence and respect of the original song is one thing; completely ruining it is another.
Recently, at a ceremony, SP Balasubrahmanyam remarked that the music produced by current music directors is merely leftovers from composer MS Viswanathan’s plate. What’s your response?
Why can’t we see what he said as a form of appreciation? He must have meant it in a positive light. MSV is a pioneer for all of us. SPB was implying that we are all following in his footsteps, which is true. In a moment of passion, he might have used the term ‘leftovers from MSV’s plate.’ I believe he didn’t mean anything negative by it.
