A.R. Rahman: Don't want my music to be bigger than a movie

A.R. Rahman: Don't want my music to be bigger than a movie
Friday, November 27, 2015 11:00 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
His tunes and tracks have popularised him across the world, but Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman says he doesn't want his compositions to be bigger than a film itself.

"I don't want my music to be bigger than the movies unless music is part of the narrative," Rahman said while addressing a session at Film Bazaar here.

With two Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards in his kitty, Rahman, also known by the sobriquet 'Mozart of Madras', has earned a respectable name in the music world.

He shared that he's always eager to work with new filmmakers as together they can find a "new zone".

However, the musician is apprehensive to take up small movies. "I feel I may pull down the film not because of the filmmaker, but by raising expectations".


Rahman started his journey by composing scores for documentaries and TV shows before he got his first movie break with 1992 release "Roja". Since then, he has composed soul-rendering music in films like "Rangeela", "Taal", "Dil Se", "Jodhaa Akbar", "Swades", "Rang De Basanti", "Rockstar", "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" and "Raanjhanaa".

He got his first international break when Andrew Lloyd Webber invited him to compose music for the Broadway musical "Bombay Dreams", which won him immense fame. He also composed for the stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings" that premiered in Canada in 2006 and in London in 2007. And who can forget his famous "Slumdog Millionaire", which won him an Oscar.

Talking about his experience of working in India and the West, he said: "In India I like narration of the movie rather than reading the script. But in Hollywood, I sometimes read. There, scripts are ready sometimes with sample music". But Rahman admits he struggles with one thing - technology.

"There is a constant struggle with new technology. I need muscle memory to hit the right keys."
Alaya F Gives Big Shoutout To RajKummar Rao, Manushi Chhillar's Maalik!

RajKummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, who are coming together for the first time, are creating excitement

Thursday, June 12, 2025
Balika Vadhu Star Avika Gor Gets Engaged to Milind Chandwani: Meet the Man Who Won Her Heart!

Avika Gor, who stole hearts as the innocent Anandi in Balika Vadhu, has just stepped into an exciting new

Thursday, June 12, 2025
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh Streaming On Jiohotstar From This Date!

After a commanding run at the theatres, Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh will

Thursday, June 12, 2025
Kriti Sanon's Not-So-Regular Green Tea Moment Sparks Buzz - Is a Wellness Disruption Brewing?

Kriti Sanon has once again sent her fans into a frenzy — this time, not with a blockbuster film or fashion

Thursday, June 12, 2025
Zee Music Company honoured with YouTube's prestigious Red Diamond Play Button for crossing 100 million subscribers!

Zee Music Company, one of India’s leading music labels, surpassed the extraordinary milestone of

Thursday, June 12, 2025