‘I won the Oscars, but who cares now?’: AR Rahman no longer feels the need to prove himself

Music composer AR Rahman has delivered numerous hits in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, English and other languages ​​since the 1990s. In an interview with The Week, he says he doesn’t just prioritize projects that “bring him joy.” (Also read: AR Rahman supports US presidential candidate Kamala Harris with virtual concert)

AR Rahman on shifting his focus

Rahman told the publication that he “no longer feels the need to prove himself” and that he selects big-budget films and non-film projects that “satisfy his creative instincts.” He said: ‘I won the Oscars a long time ago (Jai Ho, Slumdog Millionaire), but who cares now? I do work that is close to me and that will inspire future generations.” The music composer who once had the urge to distinguish himself seems to have taken it easier.

Rahman also revealed the two things that always seem to irritate him now. He said: ‘As I’ve gotten older, my tolerance has actually decreased. Two things irritate me: a selfie request with a timer and directors who lead me astray. They add crazy lyrics to it, and I ask myself, ‘Would I want to perform this on stage?’ If the answer is no, I reject it.”

Despite some delays, this year the composer has made music for Ayalaan, Lal Salaam, Raayan in Tamil, Aadujeevitham in Malayalam and Maidaan, Amar Singh Chamkeela in Hindi.

Upcoming work

Rahman has lined up numerous Tamil, Hindi and Telugu films. After the 2010 film Komaram Puli, he returns to Telugu with Buchi Babu Sana’s film starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. In Tamil, he has composed for Thug Life, Genie, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Moon Walk and Suriya’s next film with RJ Balaji.

In Hindi he has Chhaava, Lahore 1947, Tere Ishk Mein, Ramayana and Kamal Aur Meena. He is also composing for Vijay Sethupathi, Aditi Rao Hydari’s silent film, Gandhi Talks, besides Shekhar Kapur’s Ebony McQueen.