I don’t want to compete with younger artistes: AR Rahman

“When I was hearing all these artistes, they were much more intense and they were doing some amazing songs, so I don’t want to compete with them,” laughed Rahman. About his new song, he added, “I wanted to take a generic route by creating a feel good dance song, and this hook — You got me — came in. Nirmika (Singh) penned this song beautifully, and that’s how we got it. I want to create very simple and enjoyable songs.”

You got me has been composed and arranged by Rahman and sung by Rahman along with Nisa Shetty, Simetri, Protyay (Heat Sink), Jonathan and Pelenuo, and Hriday Gattani. The colourful music video is directed by Uma-Gaiti. It is the new song launched by Nexa Music. The label has launched Nexa Experiences, a nationwide hunt for emerging artistes in a bid to promote indigenous talent.

Asked if the initiative would be limited to Indian artistes singing English or if it would extend to international artistes, too, Rahman said, “This is mainly for Indian artistes because English Indian artistes don’t get an opportunity. They are all underground. Some of them are coming up, which is great. There is nothing wrong with regional artistes because we all love them. But some of the expressions in the English language are simpler and more universal.”

Rahman gave the example of the super successful Korean boy band BTS to boost his point. “If you look at Korea, BTS has performed at the Grammy (Awards). So, we (Indian artists) are not far behind. It’s not just about a song. I feel it is about marketing the best music and best talent. I feel it’s a collective effort, so if we get that we can go beyond the Grammys. Actually, the Grammy Awards are just the roof, we have to aim for the sky,” he said.