Acclaimed music composer AR Rahman, known for his extensive work across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and English films since the 1990s, has revealed a significant shift in his creative approach. In an exclusive interview with The Week, Rahman stated that he is now prioritising projects that bring him personal joy, stepping away from the pressures of proving himself in the industry.
“I no longer feel the need to prove myself,” Rahman commented, expressing a newfound freedom in selecting both big-budget films and non-film projects that satisfy his artistic instincts. Reflecting on his past achievements, including his Oscar win for “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire, he said, “I won the Oscars a long time ago, but now, who cares? I am doing work that is close to me and will inspire future generations.” This perspective indicates a deliberate move away from the competitive drive that characterised much of his early career.
Rahman candidly shared that his tolerance for certain aspects of the industry has diminished with age. “Two things annoy me: a selfie request with a timer and directors who lead me astray,” he admitted. He elaborated that he often questions the appropriateness of lyrics suggested to him, asking himself, “Would I want to perform this on stage?” If the answer is no, he is quick to turn the project down.
Despite this shift, Rahman has been actively working on various projects in 2023, contributing music to films such as Ayalaan, Lal Salaam, and Raayan in Tamil, as well as Aadujeevitham in Malayalam. He also composed music for the Hindi films Maidaan and Amar Singh Chamkeela.
Work-Front
Looking ahead, Rahman has an exciting lineup of upcoming projects across multiple languages. After a long hiatus from Telugu cinema since the 2010 film Komaram Puli, he is set to return with Buchi Babu Sana’s film featuring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. In Tamil, he will compose for Thug Life, Genie, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Moon Walk, and an upcoming film with Suriya and RJ Balaji.
In the Hindi film industry, Rahman’s slate includes Chhaava, Lahore 1947, Tere Ishk Mein, Ramayana, and Kamal Aur Meena. Additionally, he is set to work on a silent film starring Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari titled Gandhi Talks, as well as Shekhar Kapur’s Ebony McQueen.
As Rahman continues to evolve as an artist, fans eagerly anticipate how his newfound focus on joy will influence his future works.
