Page 44 - Rolling Stone - India (December 2019)

A.R. RAHMAN

Nikhil D’Souza

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

we keep talking, he reveals a sharp sense generation. How does he feel about playing
of humor that catches me off-guard. He’s a such a massive role in how we consume and—
lot of fun to hang out with, generous about in some cases, make—music? Does any of it
giving us sneak peeks at upcoming projects It’s a well known and, ever ripple back to him or in turn, affect the
and even a glimpse at a photo on his phone sadly, accepted fact that way he makes music?
of him with American R&B icon Stevie “Yes, actually,” he replies. He tells me that
Wonder. Throughout the two hours we independent English the idea of finding inspiration in another
spend with him, I can’t stop grinning. artist is an integral part of every musician’s
For most of us Indians born in the late music in India is simply journey. It pushes you to be your best. “I mean,
Eighties and early Nineties, Rahman’s somebody mentored me,” he says with a smile.
compositions are some of our very not taken seriously. Nexa “Many people, I would say.” He recalls how
first memories of music. Right from elated he was when one of his mentors, the
his legendary breakthrough with Mani Music is a step in the legendary English composer Andrew Lloyd
Ratnam’s Roja in 1992 to his subsequent Webber, complimented him once; “He said
award-winning work in films like Bombay, direction to change that. to me, ‘Oh my God, what a composer you
Kadhalan, Dil Se.., Rangeela and Taal, he I think half the job is to are!’ And you know, it’s sweet coming from
set a bar no other music director in the someone of another culture.”
country could match. A lot of young Indian coax the English-speaking Rahman recounts being invited to Webber’s
people around the world who know his 70th birthday and sitting between the
music consider him a mentor even without masses here to accept, composer and Elton John during dinner, and
having ever met him. It’s not just because his wonder at the entire situation. If he can
of his inimitable talent—it is Rahman’s embrace and support this pass that feeling along to someone who looks
tremendous drive as a creator and his up to him, it’s a cycle that continues, a gift that
discipline and determination to innovate music as their own. keeps on giving for generations. “It’s so much
that sets him apart from the rest. about learning from what people have given
If we’re talking about Rahman as a - Nikhil D’Souza me, and just giving it back,” he elaborates.
mentor, perhaps this is the first point of The key for every artist, according to
conversation: being an inspiration to entire Rahman, is the groundwork. Do the typical

44 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019