A.R. Rahman Wants to Build a Better Nation: ‘My Music Is Celebrating India’

As a supporter of A.R. Rahman‘s vision, I am truly inspired by his relentless pursuit of using music as a tool for nation-building and cultural transformation in India. His journey, much like a symphony, is a beautiful blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, technology, and spirituality. It’s not every day you meet an artist who dreams big and works tirelessly to see those dreams become reality.


Renowned two-time Oscar winner, A.R. Rahman, has music endeavors spanning every global region. However, no project looms larger than his vision for transforming India through the cultivation of its cultural landscape.

At an interview conducted by Naman Ramachandran from EbMaster during the International Film Festival of India in Goa, which was also attended by festival director and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) shared insights about his ongoing nation-building initiatives and some of his current projects.

The gathering, initially appearing to be merely a tribute to the late playback singer Lata Mangeshkar who passed away in 2022, took on broader dimensions when the director of “Elizabeth” noted that A.R. Rahman is not just a musical prodigy but also an entrepreneur, a technologist, and a spiritualist.

The session kicked off by playing a segment from “Headhunting to Beatboxing,” a documentary film produced by Rahman, which focuses on and around Nagaland, a region in India that was once known as the wild frontier. When asked why he became involved, Rahman stated, “Nagaland has a turbulent history. However, the people found a means to achieve peace.

The discussion kept circling back to musical theatre, the main focus of the workshop, and Rahman’s aspirations for constructing high-quality facilities that align with his goals.

When you consider musical theater, it’s often associated with London or New York, where shows like ‘The Lion King’ or ‘West Side Story’ are performed. Who visits this place?, Rahman commented. “Musical theater holds a greater esteem than films. Even top actors who could earn millions elsewhere choose to grace the Broadway or West End stage instead for a while. That’s the transformation I aspire to bring about in our local musical theater.

Despite the significant role music plays in everyday life in India, Rahman expressed criticism towards the pace of development and modernization within the music industry, and the arts as a whole. He implied that while figures like Mangeshkar are revered, India has not consistently met global standards. In his words, “We have not always cultivated a modern culture.

“Instead of regarding ourselves as inferior, we should be celebrating.”

Building infrastructure is crucial for Rahman, as he believes India currently has an abundance of outdated equipment. For instance, consider the Sphere in Las Vegas, a place where countless individuals gather to marvel at technologically advanced shows together.

Rahman plans to share information about a potential theater project in his native city, Chennai, which he expects to break ground within the following two years.

Moreover, any political figures taking note, Rahman drew connections between various aspects. “A single stage for musical theater isn’t sufficient; this encompasses employment opportunities, national harmony, and a sense of pride.” His ambitions extend to urban development and architectural design as well.

Asked about technology and his “Le Musk” virtual reality series, which has debuted in Cannes, Los Angeles, and Toronto, but hasn’t made its way to India yet, he responded with a broader perspective. “We decided to make it in English,” he said, “but we want it to originate from India and be shared with the rest of the world.

Regarding artificial intelligence and music, he expressed his aspiration as follows: “I wish to equip those who currently lack resources. Once they have the necessary tools, we can transform India. Let’s place these tools in the hands of children and allow them to reshape our world.

Despite the motivational and uplifting discourse, Rahman openly discussed some of his own vulnerabilities and doubts. He admitted, “We all experience feelings of emptiness or depression. Music can help fill that void.” He urged against succumbing to base instincts like aggression and sexual desires.

To that person seeking guidance, he advised, “Discover the essence of life by understanding yourself deeply. Keep learning and striving to improve.

Later on, Rahman shared his strategy for confronting certain personal struggles and dealing with the constant public scrutiny he’s faced since debuting on television at the age of 13.

Being an introvert, I often pondered the idea of being in the spotlight. However, my purpose is to create something thrilling and engaging. My music serves as a tribute to the vibrant culture and spirit of India.

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2024-11-27 18:16