When we think of A.R. Rahman, we think of a composer who has already conquered the peak of musical innovation. From his early days in Chennai to winning Oscars in Hollywood, he has redefined the sonic landscape of Indian cinema. However, his recent comments regarding his work on Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated Ramayana—alongside the legendary Hans Zimmer—show that even a “Mozart of Madras” believes there is always room to grow.
Rahman recently shared a perspective that surprised many: the idea that to truly capture the soul of an epic like the Ramayana, he and the team need to unlearn certain things. This isn’t about forgetting his craft, but rather about shedding the modern musical habits and preconceived notions we often attach to mythological storytelling.
Working on a project of this scale requires a “beginner’s mind.” Rahman suggests that. It’s easy to fall back on loud, booming orchestral tropes for epics. Rahman wants to find a sound that feels ancient yet fresh.
To respect the source material, one must strip away the “noise” of contemporary trends to find the spiritual heartbeat of the story. By unlearning, he creates space for a new musical vocabulary that bridges the gap between the Treta Yuga and the 21st century.
The collaboration between A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer is, quite literally, a dream come true for cinephiles. It represents a bridge between East and West. Zimmer, known for the heavy, textured scores of Interstellar and Dune, brings a grand cinematic scale, while Rahman brings the intricate melodic soul and deep cultural roots of India.
Rahman noted that working with Zimmer and director Nitesh Tiwari is a process of synergy. They aren’t just layering two different styles; they are trying to create a unified sound that does justice to India’s greatest epic. This partnership isn’t just about “big music”—it’s about finding the right emotional frequency for characters like Ram, Sita, and Raavan.
In an era of AI-generated music and repetitive “mass” beats, Rahman’s insistence on unlearning is a breath of fresh air. It shows a deep respect for Nitesh Tiwari’s vision. Tiwari, who proved his mettle with Dangal, is known for grounded, emotional storytelling. By stripping away the ego and the “typical” way of doing things, the team is ensuring that the music doesn’t just accompany the visuals—it elevates the spiritual experience of the film.
A.R. Rahman’s journey with Ramayana reminds us that mastery isn’t just about what you know; it’s about knowing when to let go of what you know to discover something better. With the combined genius of Rahman and Zimmer, the world isn’t just waiting for a soundtrack; they are waiting for a cultural milestone. To know
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