My mind knows no boundaries or budgets: AR Rahman

T here is a sense of excitement in the otherwise calm and composed AR Rahman. After obliging to never- ending selfie requests from the hordes of people gathered to get a glimpse of the composer, he settles down for a chat. “After performing across the globe, I feel emotional every time I land in the city and meet my people.

Yenna, idhu yen mannu. Performing here is always special,” begins Rahman. His upcoming concert, 7Up’s Netru Indru Naalai, which will take place on January 12, also marks his completion of 25 years in the industry. “This concert is my way of giving back to my people, my Tamil audience for all the love and support they’ve shown me all these years,” he adds.

Apart from noted musicians, Rahman will be sharing the stage with seven lucky winners of a contest that was conducted ahead of the event. “They’re more sharp and talented than me. They’ll be a real treat for the audience.” Looking back at his journey, he says, “I’ve been a lucky child. My path was clear and defined by my mother. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.” Rahman’s oeuvre spans across genres, languages and even international boundaries. “My music is like my mind. It knows no boundaries or budgets. I’ve learnt from every experience.

My international projects helped me learn new cultures.

They pushed me to do more research and work harder. So, when I come back to work in Tamil films or Bollywood, the learning process I acquired from other industries and languages helps me a great deal.”

In a recent interview, Rahman had said that of late, film scripts weren’t providing a good platform to explore different music. Is his upcoming film, 99 Songs an attempt in that direction? The film is co-written and produced by Rahman, who thus makes his debut in both roles. He also composed the original score and songs. “99 Songs is more like a self-challenge. I had to learn the nitty-gritty of movie production and filmmaking. When you learn more, it becomes easier to choose the best of what you want.” Rahman’s music has evoked a sense of patriotism, romance and sense of belonging in listeners. How does he manage to do it every time and so effortlessly? “The other day, I stopped someone from entering my recording theatre. I was composing the background score for a fight sequence in 2.0. I almost yelled at him because I was completely engrossed in it. I guess when you give something your all, it is bound to reflect in the end result,” he says.

As we take his leave, we can’t help but ask him about the shiny black shoes and the rock star-like T-shirts he’s been flaunting very often. “It’s all thanks to my wife. I think she likes the rock supergroup SuperHeavy that she wants me to dress up like them of late,” he concludes.