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."
Navjot Singh Sidhu Returns to The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3: Laughter, Legacy, and a Legendary Comeback!

Comedy fans, rejoice! Former cricketer, politician, and television personality Navjot Singh Sidhu is

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Puja Sharma Makes Power-Packed Comeback After 7 Years with a Bold Grey Role in Star Plus' Jhanak!

After a seven-year hiatus, actress Puja Sharma is back — and she’s returning with fire in her eyes. Known

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Kamya Punjabi Breaks the Silence -'Me No Pause Me Play' Becomes the World's First Film on Menopause!

A historic cinematic moment unfolded today as the muhurat of “Me No Pause Me Play” was held in

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Father figures on-screen, real connections off-screen: Sony SAB artists celebrate fatherhood this Father's Day!

On the special occasion of Father's Day, Sony SAB actors share their personal experiences and thoughts

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
DocuBay Announces its Next Original Documentary - Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis!

DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, is set to

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT