Globally celebrated music maestro AR Rahman recently shared an anecdote that profoundly shaped his artistic identity. In an interview, Rahman reminisced about his early days when he began working as a young teenager to support his family financially. A pivotal moment in his journey came at the age of 19, during a band practice session with a guitarist whose remarks unknowingly set him on the path to self-discovery.
The incident occurred in the mid-1980s when Rahman was actively collaborating with multiple composers and performing in a band. During one session, a guitarist in the group, under the influence of alcohol, questioned Rahman’s style of playing and dismissed it as “just film music.” Although the comment wasn’t malicious, it struck a chord with Rahman, prompting weeks of introspection.
Reflecting on the experience, Rahman admitted, “Initially, I didn’t understand what he meant, but as time passed, his words started to make sense. I realized I was being shaped by the styles of the composers I worked with. That was when I decided to carve out my own unique identity in music.”
Determined to break free from external influences, Rahman embarked on a mental and creative journey that spanned seven years. This period of self-reinvention helped him establish his distinctive musical style, which would later earn him global acclaim. “The guitarist’s comment wasn’t hurtful,” Rahman explained, “but it left a deep impact on me, becoming a positive force that motivated me to evolve beyond those influences.”
Currently, Rahman is set to compose the score for Hansal Mehta’s upcoming series Gandhi. Additionally, he is working on the music for the much-anticipated film RC16, starring Ram Charan and directed by Buchi Babu Sana. Through these ventures, Rahman continues to leave his indelible mark on the world of music.
