How Rahman Transformed a 200-Year-Old Song into 'Ennavale'

A.R. RAHMAN STORY PICKS By Rahmaniac.com May 18, 2023

One of the most common questions asked of Rahman is, "How long does it take you to compose a song?" His response reflects the unpredictable nature of artistic creation. Sometimes, a tune is crafted in a mere hour, while at other times, it may require several sessions over days or even months to reach its final form.

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[{"selector":"#anim-467d6fc2-5e81-4030-9f6d-01ea0a99dcbb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":100,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] How long do you take to compose the song? Depends! At times, I finalize a tune after an hour… at times, I have to allot another session. A song can take me two days or two weeks. ‘Uyire Uyire’ from ‘Bombay’ took me ages… so did Kuchi Kuchi Rakkamma. On the other hand, Veera Pandi Kottaiyile from ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ was ready in a week. Occasionally I’ve had to change the singer. Arrow

[{"selector":"#anim-e4f7c53a-9a80-4203-8cea-bac222cbb9f5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":100,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Which was easier to compose - Muqabla in Kaadhalan or the more melodious Ennavale ? Composing a peppy number like ‘Muqabla’ is easy. I just have to be spontaneous, and let myself go. It’s like gorging on Chinese food once a month. But melodies, like ‘Chhotisi Asha’, ‘Chandralekha’ and ‘Ennavale’ were more difficult. Arrow

[{"selector":"#anim-534fd128-7fb1-4477-8f42-6961285ea918","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":100,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2ea9c034-b1d6-437c-8d7d-0f097d4f78bf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":100,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] ‘Ennavale’ was inspired by a song that is 200 years old. For the songs of ‘Yodha’, I did a lot of research in Nepali and Chinese music. I know ‘Ennavale’ and the songs from ‘Roja’ and ‘Puthiya Mugam’ will be hummed for decades. And Muqabla? ‘Muqabla’ and ‘Chiku Buku rayile’ are needed to break the monotony. They’re needed to sell a cassette. I don’t know how long they’ll remain popular but at the moment everyone is dancing to their beat. - A.R. Rahman, 1996 The interview which appears in this story, was originally published on Filmfare in April 1996. ©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.

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How Rahman Transformed a 200-Year-Old Song into 'Ennavale'

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