Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has addressed recent criticisms directed at him by playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, who accused Rahman of sidelining traditional live music and excessively depending on digital technology.
In a conversation with ANI, Abhijeet openly criticized Rahman, alleging that the maestro’s electronic-heavy production style has contributed to the decline of instrumentalists’ presence in the music scene. He claimed that Rahman's approach has not only diminished the importance of live performers but also led to a music industry dominated by laptops and software, leaving many talented musicians unemployed and undervalued.
AR Rahman Responds to the Allegations
Responding to these allegations, Rahman spoke with India Today, offering a calm and composed reaction. He began by stating that everyone has the right to their personal views and gently dismissed the accusations made by Abhijeet. "It's nice to blame me for everything. I still love Abhijeet, and I would send cakes to him. Also, it's his opinion, and there's nothing wrong with having one," he said.
Rahman also elaborated on his continuous efforts to uplift musicians. He shared that he recently formed an all-women orchestra in Dubai, comprising 60 members who are regularly employed and receive not only salaries but also health insurance and other benefits. According to Rahman, his film scores—such as those for Chhaava and Ponniyin Selvan—involve extensive collaboration with large ensembles. “Some of my compositions bring together as many as 200 to 300 musicians. Certain tracks alone feature over a hundred contributors,” he explained. “I just don’t post pictures or publicize these collaborations, which is why many people are unaware.”
He further clarified that while digital tools are part of modern music-making, they serve as creative instruments rather than replacements for live performance. He emphasized that computers are used primarily to experiment with harmonies and structure. “I can’t afford to bring musicians in, record them, and discard their work afterward—it would be both disrespectful and wasteful,” he said. Rahman added that producers he's collaborated with can vouch for the scale of live musician involvement in his work.
Upcoming Ventures
Rahman’s recent musical contributions include the Hindi film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, and the Tamil project Kadhalikka Neramillai. He is also composing music for Lahore 1947, a film produced by Aamir Khan, Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, and Aanand L. Rai’s Tere Ishq Mein. Notably, he is set to partner with legendary composer Hans Zimmer for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, Ramayan.
In a conversation with ANI, Abhijeet openly criticized Rahman, alleging that the maestro’s electronic-heavy production style has contributed to the decline of instrumentalists’ presence in the music scene. He claimed that Rahman's approach has not only diminished the importance of live performers but also led to a music industry dominated by laptops and software, leaving many talented musicians unemployed and undervalued.
AR Rahman Responds to the Allegations
Responding to these allegations, Rahman spoke with India Today, offering a calm and composed reaction. He began by stating that everyone has the right to their personal views and gently dismissed the accusations made by Abhijeet. "It's nice to blame me for everything. I still love Abhijeet, and I would send cakes to him. Also, it's his opinion, and there's nothing wrong with having one," he said.
Rahman also elaborated on his continuous efforts to uplift musicians. He shared that he recently formed an all-women orchestra in Dubai, comprising 60 members who are regularly employed and receive not only salaries but also health insurance and other benefits. According to Rahman, his film scores—such as those for Chhaava and Ponniyin Selvan—involve extensive collaboration with large ensembles. “Some of my compositions bring together as many as 200 to 300 musicians. Certain tracks alone feature over a hundred contributors,” he explained. “I just don’t post pictures or publicize these collaborations, which is why many people are unaware.”
He further clarified that while digital tools are part of modern music-making, they serve as creative instruments rather than replacements for live performance. He emphasized that computers are used primarily to experiment with harmonies and structure. “I can’t afford to bring musicians in, record them, and discard their work afterward—it would be both disrespectful and wasteful,” he said. Rahman added that producers he's collaborated with can vouch for the scale of live musician involvement in his work.
Upcoming Ventures
Rahman’s recent musical contributions include the Hindi film Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, and the Tamil project Kadhalikka Neramillai. He is also composing music for Lahore 1947, a film produced by Aamir Khan, Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, and Aanand L. Rai’s Tere Ishq Mein. Notably, he is set to partner with legendary composer Hans Zimmer for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, Ramayan.
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