While promoting his forthcoming musical tour Wonderment, music composer AR Rahman offered a candid reflection on the prevailing trend of remakes and remixes in the film industry — calling it a "shortcut to creativity." "When people get insecure, they resort to such practices," Rahman said. "But if they would invest time in the process, people would be much happier. I can see the comments. I can see how people are craving originality." Also Read | AR Rahman calls out remixes being done without permission: ‘You can’t use a song 6 years later, say you are reimagining it’ Bollywood, ever quick to recycle, has not spared even AR Rahman’s own revered compositions. Perhaps the most disheartening instance was the reimagining of "Masakali" from Delhi 6. The remix drew widespread criticism. In 2020, Rahman openly voiced his disappointment, posting a poignant note on social media that read: "No shortcuts. Properly commissioned, sleepless nights, writing and rewriting. Over 200 musicians, 365 days of creative brainstorming. All with the aim of producing music that can endure for generations. A team of a director, a composer, and a lyricist supported by actors, choreographers, and an unwavering film crew." AR Rahman's stance resonated with many in the industry. Director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, who collaborated with Rahman on Delhi 6, urged audiences to “beware” of diluted remakes, praising the integrity of the original. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who penned the original lyrics, expressed deep dismay at seeing the work "insensitively utilised." In the same interview, Rahman reflected on the virtues of originality. Not just as an artistic ideal but as a path requiring patience, endurance, and vision. He spoke of the immense creative satisfaction that comes from staying true to one’s voice, citing the now-celebrated Amar Singh Chamkila song "Vida Karo" as a case in point. The hauntingly beautiful track was originally composed for the film Maidaan. However, when director Amit Sharma sought a more rousing anthem for the film’s second half, Rahman graciously set the song aside. Also Read | AR Rahman switched off lights at 2:30 am… people started crying’: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Amar Singh Chamkila song Vida Karo was composed The melody found its true home when director Imtiaz Ali and lyricist Irshad Kamil embraced it for their film Amar Singh Chamkila— an inspired choice that, as they say, made history.
