A.R. Rahman hits back: breaks silence on criticism of ‘change in music’

Entertainment: A.R. Rahman is undoubtedly one of the most respected and renowned music composers worldwide, remaining active in various film industries decades into his career. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning composer spoke candidly about the ups and downs of his journey, as well as responding to criticism that his recent music lacks the impact of his early work. Rahman explained that audiences often compare his current compositions to his iconic 1990s albums like Roja. He said such comparisons are unfair and can impact an artist’s thinking. Explaining his current approach, Rahman explained that he is deliberately choosing fewer projects now, as he is simultaneously working on major projects like Ramayana, a film with Mani Ratnam, and his band. He also revealed that he has composed music for approximately 20 to 30 films in the past six years and now wants to give himself more time and creative space. While Rahman’s perspective is understandable, it’s undeniable that his recent work hasn’t created chartbusters with the lasting impact of his iconic 90s albums. While many of his new songs may not immediately resonate with audiences like his earlier music did, this doesn’t diminish the depth or unparalleled legacy of his music. What’s truly commendable is Rahman’s constant innovating. He constantly adapts to audiences’ changing tastes and experiments with different genres to stay productive. One of his biggest challenges today is balancing his authentic musical identity with the expectations of the younger generation. Expectations were particularly high at the time of Chawa’s release, as Rahman had previously delivered lasting magic in films like Jodhaa Akbar. However, both the album and background score failed to impress a section of the audience, leading to criticism and online trolling. Rahman chose to remain silent and modest, letting his work speak for itself. Now, that response is beginning to pay off. His latest project, Peddi, has brought him back into the limelight, with the song “Chikkiri” already becoming a major hit. Turning adversity into motivation, Rahman seems poised to once again deliver powerful and memorable music. Adding to the excitement, he has also teamed up with global music icon Hans Zimmer, a much-awaited collaboration that could reshape the narrative of his recent work.