Imagine being five years old and hearing a sound that changes your life forever. That’s what happened to Nazeef when he first listened to A.R. Rahman’s music in “Roja.” From that moment, Rahman’s melodies became the soundtrack to Nazeef’s life, growing and evolving with him through the years.
“I was immediately drawn to the new sound that Rahman was creating,” Nazeef reminisces. “It resonated with me.”
As a schoolboy, Nazeef’s passion for Rahman’s music was no secret. He chose Rahman’s songs for every cultural event, earning himself the title of “Rahman’s biggest fan” among his peers. But it was the release of “Yuva” and “Nayak” in his 11th grade that cemented his connection with the maestro’s music.
October 7, 2005 – a date etched in Nazeef’s memory
It was the day he first met his idol in flesh and blood. “It was an amazing experience,” Nazeef recalls. “He spent a few minutes with us, asking each one of our names and shaking hands. After he left, I realized what a warm human being he was, and I felt that I had to work with him someday.”
Little did Nazeef know that this dream would soon become a reality. Life has a funny way of making dreams come true when you least expect it. For Nazeef, the journey from fan to team member was as smooth as one of Rahman’s melodies.
“There was no transition,” Nazeef says with a smile. “The fan in me only keeps growing. 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.”
Today, Nazeef leads the team responsible for Rahman’s global tours and concerts. It’s a job that comes with its fair share of challenges – coordinating logistics, maintaining performance quality, and managing a diverse team. But for Nazeef, it’s all worth it.
The Rahman Effect: More Than Just Music
Working closely with A.R. Rahman has been a life-changing experience for Nazeef. It’s not just about the music – it’s about the man behind the melodies.
“Rahman Sir is incredibly humble,” Nazeef shares. “He doesn’t make you feel like you’re working for such a big person. He’s very approachable and treats everyone with equal responsibility.”
Rahman’s influence extends beyond music. His spiritual life has had a profound impact on Nazeef, strengthening his own faith. “Working with him has shown me the power of believing in God,” Nazeef reflects. “He lives his faith beautifully, and that has inspired me to try it out myself.”
But perhaps what impresses Nazeef the most is Rahman’s endless ocean of knowledge. “He’s not only a musical genius but also has an incredible understanding of technology, visuals, graphics, camera lenses, and technical aspects,” Nazeef marvels. “His knowledge in each of these areas is like an endless ocean.”
One of Nazeef’s most memorable experiences was directing the “One Heart” documentary during the NITI tour in 2015. What started as a casual suggestion from Rahman turned into a full-fledged project.
“He randomly asked me why we don’t shoot this tour and make it into a proper musical documentary,” Nazeef recounts. “I told him that I didn’t know how to do it, but he believed in me and said, ‘What’s the worst that can happen? You will fail but you learn.'” The result was a unique glimpse into life on tour with A.R. Rahman – from late-night donut runs to impromptu jam sessions on the tour bus.
Working with Rahman has given Nazeef a front-row seat to some truly magical moments. One such instance was an impromptu duet between Rahman and Hariharan at the Trichy concert.
“When they started jamming together with just a piano, it was absolutely magical,” Nazeef recalls, his voice filled with emotion. “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.”
Beyond his musical genius, Rahman’s humanitarian side deeply impresses Nazeef. “He does so much for people, society, and poverty upliftment behind closed doors without publicizing it,” Nazeef reveals. “The A.R. Rahman Foundation, the Sunshine Orchestra, and the One Heart Foundation are just a few examples.”
Facing Challenges and Looking to the Future
The recent global situation has hit the entertainment industry hard, but Nazeef sees it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. He’s spearheading a project called “cross-pollination,” aiming to create 300 new songs through artist collaborations during the lockdown.
“This is a great time for independent music to rise,” Nazeef says optimistically. “We have the opportunity to create something new and innovative that wouldn’t have been possible before.”
Despite working closely with Rahman, Nazeef’s admiration for the maestro hasn’t diminished – if anything, it’s grown stronger. “His music has changed my life, and I’m sure it’s changed the lives of so many others,” Nazeef says, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m just one small part of the universe called A.R. Rahman.”
For those looking to dive into Rahman’s vast musical ocean, Nazeef recommends starting with these five songs: “Jai Ho” (Slumdog Millionaire), “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa,” “Maa Tujhe Salaam” (Vande Mataram album), “Rangeela Re” (Rangeela), and “Humma Humma” (Bombay).
As our conversation with Nazeef draws to a close, one thing is clear: in the world of A.R. Rahman, the line between fan and family is beautifully blurred. And for Nazeef, that’s the most beautiful melody of all.
