A R Rahman, unplugged

As we walk into A.R. Rahman’s Panchathan Record Inn, his in-house studio attached to the backyard of his cozy home in Kodambakkam — there is a slight sense of trepidation in the air. Here we were, at one of the continent’s most technologically-advanced studios, filled with musical equipment and instruments that even international pop icons may not have access to, about to meet the man himself — at his abode in Chennai, where he’s rarely spotted these days, thanks to his manic schedule.

But he’s here now, because his baby turns eight today! No, not one of his three kids; we are talking about KM Conservatory that was established in 2008 — and has since grown into one of the most famed music institutions in the country. Housing a multicultural student and staff base, the select college keeps churning out playback singers, independent artistes, performers and researchers, merrily every year — who go on to make a stringent mark across the world.

Rahman, of course, couldn’t be happier about KM’s success — though the celebrations today will only offer him a brief hiatus from his zillion other commitments: a host of big-budget ventures such as Shankar’s 2.0 and Gautham Menon’s AYM, working on his very own feature film 99 Songs, as well as the trials and tribulations that come with spotlight — such as the fatwa issued against him after working on the Iranian biopic Muhammad: The Messenger of God.
Still, as he sits us down next to the most magnificent  Windsor piano in a private room, the genius is in a pretty chirpy mood — and tells us he gets by quite easily … by being ‘normal’. Okay, as normal as he can be atleast.

Has KM come full circle yet?
We’ve come a long way in eight years… but the challenge now is to establish a full-fledged orchestra next. I’ll admit it; there were a lot of questions when I set it up — why in Chennai, and not elsewhere? There were also many  financial and logistical hurdles. But it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Not only has it contributed to changing the musical landscape and perception of the city, but students here don’t have too many distractions, so they stay focused. I do feel responsible for shaping their paths, and for them to carry on the legacy.

Our other ambitious project is 99 Songs, of course. We have all been working so immensely hard on it — and its result will show us the way forward. I want to make many more musicals themed on similar subjects. But no, they won’t be usual stories about rockstars or depressed geniuses who eventually get drunk and die! (laughs) Audiences today are incredibly knowledgeable and I won’t insult them — for instance, I randomly go to YouTube sometimes and check the comments; people point out specific sections where they notice something unusual and interesting! It fascinates me, and motivates me to keep pushing the bar with my experiments.

Becoming a filmmaker:
It all happened after the Oscars. I’d always wanted an Indian technician or filmmaker to win, but never imagined it’d be me. After the win, it was such a confusing period. Should I be a pop artist now? Or turn Hollywood composer? Or come back to India and continue my work? Every door possible was open for me, and everyone wanted to work with me. That’s when the learning process began — about everything from CGI to screenwriting to cinematography, and more. My ‘Infinite Love’ music video project taught me a lot and fuelled my desire to make a film even more.

Timing plays a big role too in a film’s success — many good ones don’t work well, as they are released with another big flick… and vice versa. Classic case in point: Slumdog Millionaire became such a massive success, as all the other films at that point were depressing affairs!

A ‘strange’ time for music:
Indeed; with context to lyrics. I even had a conversation with Michael Jackson about this, a few years ago. For me, words are prayers. I’ve argued with greats like Vaali about them! When Spike Lee wanted to use ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ for Inside Man — my condition was that there should be no obscene lyrics or voiceovers.   Same with Million Dollar Arm; I was working with rappers known for explicit content like Kendrick Lamar and Iggy Azalea — but it was a Disney film, so we kept it clean.

I still remember Nicki Minaj rapping at the Time 100 Gala… and feeling thoroughly astonished how people can sing such things! Even back home, this Beep Song was a bad idea… I will always remain a strong advocate of clean lyrics in music.

Who brings out the best in you?
People I have a great trust and comfort level with. Directors like Mani Ratnam and Shankar, with whom there’s no ego, drama … just incredible mutual respect and admiration. For instance, during OK Kanmani, I’d composed a song which they finished shooting also – after which I told them to drop it! Everyone was very upset. But Mani Ratnam understood, and Ey Sinamika happened after that. That’s how much he trusts me.

Can a debutant director work with me? See, here’s the issue. I don’t mind at all, but then the film is judged because of my music — and that’s unfair. People expect Oscar-quality music for a small romcom… I wish they could compartmentalise their expectations better.

Heirs to the throne…
Oh, I take inspiration from them all the time! All my three children learn music… but it’s my son, Ameen who seems most inclined. He listens to Skrillex et al, and was thrilled when the artist mentioned me sometime! (laughs) All of them, including my wife, often give me feedback too, and I appreciate it. Ameen will finish his basic music education, but after that, I’m honestly cool with whoever he wants to be.

It’s important to be… normal, you know. I too spend hours browsing music online, reading comments, talk and listen to people around me, just like anyone else. There’s no point in  sitting atop a skyscraper and composing all by myself, is there?

Looking back… (or ahead?)
I’ve been working for over 30 years now… phew! Sometimes, I just want to sit back and give way to the other young composers — and stop blocking them. Especially in Kollywood, over the last few years, a fantastic new breed of musicians have come into the forefront. Exciting times are ahead in the industry. For me, the plan is to definitely make more films with my production house.

Currently, I’I am  really excited about both the upcoming Sachin and Pele biopics — even though I know nothing about sport. I was that kid in school huddled in the corner during the P.T period! But the amount of goodwill these projects have received is amazing.

Is there a price to this fame?
No... I’ve never felt that way, even when I’ve been embroiled in the most unnecessary of controversies. The fatwa against Majid Majidi and me, for instance… I really wanted to deal with it properly, and set an example. I’m in a position to make a difference or create impact, and I feel very lucky to be doing that. I never complain about the life I have, ever.

I may have mentioned before that I had to reluctantly change to become this person I am today, after being in the public eye. But in a world that’s filled with so much spite and violence all around  — if I can do anything at all to spread some love and dispel hatred, then I’m happy to.