Working with the legends

Academy-Award winning music maestro A.R. Rahman, who has composed remarkable numbers for Indian and foreign audiences, has worked with most of the A-list filmmakers and writers.

As the Yash Raj Films studio celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Rahman recalls his time spent with the senior Chopra while making music for the 2012-romance drama Jab Tak Hai Jaan, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in lead roles.

Fondly reminiscing about his experience of working with the iconic Yash Chopra, Rahman says, “It was a great honour working with such a stalwart. He had a child-like enthusiasm about everything, which was fascinating.”

Rahman also shared a good word for the lyricist, poet and filmmaker Gulzar, who had written the lyrics to the background score of Jab Tak Hain Jaan. “Mr. Gulzar works poetry himself, you know? In the way he gestures and the way he talks; his eyes are filled with love and wisdom. So, it was interesting to work with both of them. Sometimes, we would work and break the Ramadan fast together, all three of us. So, it was really cool that way,” adds Rahman.

The musician then tells us about composing songs in different languages. “The traditions in India are interconnected and we value and respect each other’s cultures. So, that actually turns into an influence too. In any case music doesn’t need any language,” he adds.