AR Rahman on composing for Ramayana, working with Hans Zimmer and why he is a nervous performer
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Suanshu Khurana
Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman reflects on his musical legacy, his approach to faith-based compositions, and his enduring stage nerves. He discusses the profound simplicity required to score iconic moments in Indian cinema.
The Musical Philosophy of AR Rahman
AR Rahman, the globally acclaimed composer, recently offered a rare glimpse into his creative process, contrasting his high-profile collaborations with the introspective nature of his work. Known for his ability to weave complex soundscapes, Rahman’s career has been defined by an austere approach to faith and emotion. This philosophy was perhaps best encapsulated in his early work, where he demonstrated an uncanny ability to translate abstract spiritual longing into accessible, resonant melodies that define the cultural zeitgeist.
The Profundity of Simplicity: A Case Study in Lagaan
Central to Rahman's legacy is his work on the 2001 epic Lagaan. Specifically, the Krishna bhajan 'O Paalanhaare' serves as a masterclass in emotional restraint. Composed during a narrative turning point where villagers face the existential threat of crippling taxation, the song avoids the bombastic melodrama often associated with cinematic prayer. By opting for a melody characterized by 'rare tenderness,' Rahman elevated the scene from a mere plot point to a universal expression of human desperation and hope. This composition highlights his unique talent for finding profound impact in simplicity.
Navigating Faith in Modern Discourse
Rahman’s work has long intersected with the evolving landscape of Indian public discourse. When he first composed music that addressed themes of faith nearly 25 years ago, the environment was vastly different. Today, the intersection of religion and art has become increasingly fraught. Rahman’s ability to remain a unifying figure in this climate is a testament to his musical neutrality and his focus on the human condition rather than divisive sectarian narratives. His compositions continue to serve as a bridge, maintaining a level of dignity that transcends contemporary political friction.
The Paradox of the Performer
Despite his status as an Academy Award winner and a collaborator with legends like Hans Zimmer, Rahman remains famously humble—and notably nervous—when performing. This anxiety is not a sign of lack of preparation, but rather a reflection of the deep responsibility he feels toward his audience and his craft. This internal pressure is likely what drives the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes his entire body of work, from his early beginnings as Arunachalam Shekhar Dileep Kumar to his current status as a global icon.
Future Trends and Legacy
As Rahman looks toward future projects, including the highly anticipated scoring for Ramayana, he continues to balance the weight of historical expectation with his own evolving artistic voice. The music industry is currently seeing a shift toward more authentic, minimalist scoring, a trend that Rahman pioneered decades ago. His influence on the next generation of composers is undeniable, as he continues to prove that in a world of digital saturation, the most powerful tool a composer possesses remains the ability to capture the quiet, desperate, and hopeful moments of the human spirit.