‘The best lesson? Make others happy’, says A.R. Rahman

Contrary to his reticent image and pressing global commitments, the Mozart of Madras, Allah Rakha Rahman has always obliged DC for a no-holds-barred, straight-from-the- heart interview. This time too, he doesn't disappoint. On the occasion of his 48th birthday (January 6), even as he was gearing up to leave for Los Angeles with son Ameen, the double Oscar winner opens up about what makes him remain grounded, how Charlie Chaplin’s comedy helps him de-stress, his better half, Saira, being his pillar of strength, how he has no time for ‘guilty’ pleasures, his admiration for Sachin Tendulkar, the Aam Aadmi Party’s success and much more, in an exclusive interview.

“Since my son and I will be travelling on my birthday, I would like to thank all the people who gave me their loving birthday wishes and I pray for their well being,” A.R. Rahman says with his characteristic smile.  

Have you ever felt that you missed out on your school days when you chose music for a living?
Not anymore! But when I look back, the pre-adult professional experience from the age of 11 onwards has a lot of value. Spending time at my own music college now with our students, I do manage to catch up with some of that lost time.

Having come this far, what lessons has life taught you?

Each one of us has our own evolution of life and each one of us goes through different tests which are unique and challenging. But certain things are common. And we do learn things from each other’s experience. On a spiritual journey, we all have the same destination. But worldly life has its own colourful journey. The best lesson would be to make others happy — it could be family, partner, friends, neighbours etc.  Especially when you grow old, it’s better to be wanted than wanting things and being a pain to others. You always say wisdom comes from within and knowledge is acquired. Your inner voice is the voice of divinity. To hear it, we need to be in solitude even in crowded places. Knowledge is important, but it’s not original. Wisdom is what comes from within. We have to let it come.

There is a street named after you Allah Rakha Rahman in Markham, Canada, close to downtown Toronto.
It’s so nice of Canada to honour an Indian composer by celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. I am very happy with what God has bestowed upon me right now.

Tell us about collaborating once again with Shekhar Kapur on his futuristic project, 'Paani'. What’s that one factor that makes you accept such out-of-the-box themes?
The project is Shekharji’s 10-year dream. He really believes in it. And only he can think like that. It’s such a great team. We have a very excited Aditya Chopra supporting the project and many international talents backing the vision. It’s a reality now.

You always help your protégés reach out to the masses through kind words on the social networking media. Like the one about your guitarist Sanjeev Thomas’ Chekele.
I like musicians and singers taking the initiative and leading. It’s such an inspiring gesture. These days it is all possible .We all have to think big rather than wait for an opportunity endlessly, doing the same boring things.

How do you feel when your songs become a rage, like 'Maryan' having been chosen as the ‘Tamil Album of Year’ in iTunes’ Best of 2013, but the films fail to create a similar impact?
'Maryan' was a credible film by Bharat Bala and Dhanush. The release was not promoted well. I am so grateful to the entire creative team for making the soundtrack such a success. I still keep getting compliments for the songs from various people.  I like people taking risks and trying to do something even if they fail, it is fine for me. If we don’t take risks we will repeat the tried and tested route.

How adaptable is Saira after she came to know of your working style?
She has been a pillar of strength for my family and children. And she has fun designing my clothes and my sisters’ clothes when we perform live on stage. Saira has a natural flair for styling.

Recently, you said that whenever you feel low, you watch comedy scenes to de-stress. What kind of comedy elevates your mood?
Comedy is a universal language. I grew up watching Nagesh, Surilirajan, Thenga Srinivasan and S.V. Shekhar’s comedies.  And, of course, Charlie Chaplin! These artists are so blessed: they can make other people happy.

Vice versa — it’s a known secret that music has a healing magic. Do you think music should be made a part of school and college curricula?
That would be so good. It would help the next generation appreciate quality music and perform it as well.

What’s special about Imtiaz Ali’s 'Highway'?
It’s an unexpected, bold film, and he is an interesting turn of director.

Can you talk about your emotional bonding with Sachin Tendulkar. (You presented him a guitar signed by you.)
Sachin became such an unexpected friend. I guess it’s mutual admiration for the talent and gift.

Tell us about the Gautham Menon project
We have finished one song. And it’s too early to discuss it.

How do you manage to remain so grounded? You always say that you know only your work and God…..
I have chosen a path which navigates me to that attitude. I do lose it sometimes and feel really bad.  It is a tough balance playing many roles in life!

To whom do you owe all your success?
Ella Pugazum Iraivanukke (Some day I will explain the secret of this) which everyone knows.

Despite being a global celebrity, how do you manage to stay out of gossip/controversies?
I have too many responsibilities and principles.  There’s no time for ‘guilty’ pleasures.  That’s why (laughs)!

Where do you stand in your maiden production venture which has been written by you?
The director has almost been found. Next is casting, I guess.

What are your Hollywood , Kollywood and Hindi projects?
'Million Dollar Arm', 'Monkeys of Mumbai' in English.  'Paani', 'Highway', Arif Ali’s movie in Hindi and 'Ai' with Shankar, 'Kaaviya Thalaivan' with Vasantabalan, Rajini’s 'Kochadaiyaan' and a Gautham Menon film in Tamil. And some more surprises which you will know soon.

What do you think of the Aam Aadmi Party which won the recent Delhi elections? Would you speak for clean governance?
The Indian people have woken up and no one can fool them now. Jai Hind!