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AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning composer and musician, recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian and global music, rose to fame with iconic scores such as red, Bombayand from the heartand gained worldwide recognition for Slumdog Millionaire. In a recent podcast with Nikhil Kamath, Rahman also spoke candidly about artificial intelligence, creativity, and his personal journey.
Rahman said artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for creative people, especially those who lack access to resources, but stressed that it must be used responsibly. “It’s a very empowering tool for young people who don’t have access to making a film or making art or who don’t know how to paint but have a vision,” he said. He emphasized ethical use and added: “Don’t make people lose their jobs. Empower people to remove the curses of generational poverty, misinformation and lack of tools to create.”
The conversation also offered a rare glimpse into Rahman’s personal life, from his childhood in Chennai and Bengaluru to becoming one of the world’s most respected music icons. He reflected on the losses he faced growing up. “Every day I woke up to it,” he said, referring to the deaths of his father and grandmother. He credited his mother for keeping the family together and encouraging his musical pursuits. “My mother endured all the pain. She protected us and was so strong that, enduring all kinds of humiliations, she alone raised us and encouraged me to dedicate myself to music.”
Rahman also recalled spending his childhood in studies rather than school. “My whole childhood was spent with people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s in the studio playing music. And I missed all the fun with friends and all that stuff at school. There was no college.”
He described red as the turning point in his career. “Roja changed everything.” At one point, he considered leaving movies altogether. “This will be my last film,” he said, before Mani Ratnam convinced him to continue.
About simplicity and life, Rahman said: “Always. That’s why I give up… When I was making Roja, I didn’t even have money for gas.” About his music, he added: “Every Tamil song I make should go around the world. And it was planned. I worked for it. That’s why I worked less… I need time to heal, I need time to listen to it, I need time to change, I need to evolve a song.”
Reflecting on faith, perseverance and creativity, Rahman said: “It left me completely paralyzed, it put me in zen mode, it made me believe that everyone is going to die… Sincerity is very important. If I’m not sincere in my music, I’m not sincere with myself.”
He also offered advice for young entrepreneurs in creative industries: “Having an orchestra in every state is very important, having world-class, ever-changing entertainment… If you take care of your family, the world will take care of itself.”
