Bollywood offers were not compelling enough: AR Rahman

AR Rahman was recently appointed as one of the goodwill ambassadors for the Rio Olympics. A scholarship in his name has been instituted in association with the Berklee School of Music. As far as composing goes, while his songs for South films like OK Kanmani have been chartbusters, in Hindi his score for Tamasha got a mixed response. He also recently opted out of composing for Aamir Khan’s Secret Superstar. Here, Rahman talks about what drives him, his love for performing live and more...

As a goodwill ambassador of Olympics this year, what will be your contribution?

I want to create good vibes and cheer for them. Also, it’s a coincidence that I recently composed the music for Pele, a film on the Brazilian footballer. So, I would love to see a song from that film being performed at the Olympics.

Any other international film in the offing?

There might be a couple of things, but it’s too early to speak about it. I am finishing the music for Mohenjo-Daro now.

Compared to South films, you work less in Bollywood. Is it deliberate?

No proper movies came to me from Bollywood. The offers that I got were not compelling enough. Also, I was busy with the pre-production of my film, 99 Songs.    

You have just released the poster. When is the movie releasing?

Next year. Also, the movie will not have 99 songs though it is called that (smiles). It’s like a fairy tale.

Hasn’t it got delayed?

No. Some movies get made in 12 years, some in 20 years! Movies should be made only when everything else is ready.

Your music for the Tamil film, OK Kanmani, especially Mental Manadhil, was a chartbuster. Will the songs be retained in the Hindi remake OK Jaanu?

Yes, those will be retained and we will also be adding some new songs in it.

Are you happy with the way your music for Tamasha was received?

Tamasha was slightly experimental — both in terms of the movie and the music. That’s what I love about it. I liked the way people received it. Some people loved the music, some hated it, but it was meant to be like that.

Why did you opt out of composing for Aamir Khan’s film Secret Superstar?  

What happened was, we had started composing and everything, but around that time my studio (in Chennai) was flooded. My mind was very restless and at that time they had the shoot planned, so I couldn’t do it.

Name one director you will make time for, no matter what?

The last time I did that was for Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionare). I was extremely busy at that point and I knew his musical tastes. If Danny comes here I will definitely do that, I like him a lot.

How are the students who pass out from your music conservatory doing?

Some of them have become composers, some are singers here and abroad and they are winning awards. Some even got invitations from other conservatories who wanted to take our students, but we said, ‘No way!’

Are you planning to open more branches?

I don’t know yet. Even this is a miracle — composing and running this together. Opening more branches means more responsibility, more energy. I want to save my energy, and keep one base. It’s important. It’s more important to do it right, it’s not about replicating it.

Are your children inclined towards music?

I don’t know yet. Time will tell.

You seem to be more involved in tour concerts. What do you enjoy about it?

It’s a very rewarding experience. It gives a whole new meaning to being alive — when you see them smile, and are in harmony with 30,000 people. They have their own stories, and they are cheering, not because I am standing and singing, but because for them it’s a collection of their memories, journey of their lives — the ups and down that are reflected in these songs. It’s a fantastic feeling.

Do you still get requests for Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionare) more than anything else?

Abroad I do, because it is a big hit there. Jai Ho made a huge impact. However, recently in Malaysia, I did not perform Jai Ho. I also get a lot of requests for Dil Se (from Dil Se) It mostly depends on the place. In Vegas, somebody was asking for an unpopular Malayalam song, Mampoove (Yodha). You never know what a person’s listening to, the Internet is making it all possible.

You have achieved everything. What drives you still?

Being a bridge, getting the next generation educated, being instrumental in pushing our own artistes and amazing artistes from abroad to India.  

Who is your support system?

My family. They are my spiritual support.