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AR Rahman felt Lata Mangeshkar didn’t need do riyaz before concerts: ‘Why does she have to practice?’

In a recent interview, music composer AR Rahman revealed that late singer Lata Mangeshkar inspired him to do riyaz before stage shows.

By: Entertainment Desk
New Delhi | April 20, 2025 06:08 PM IST

2 min read

AR Rahman learned the importance of riyaz from Lata Mangeshkar .(Photo: Rahman/Facebook)

Apart from their iconic collaborations on songs like “Jiya Jale” from Dil Se and “Luka Chuppi” from Rang De Basanti, music legends AR Rahman and the late Lata Mangeshkar also shared a deep personal bond. Rahman has often credited Mangeshkar with shaping his outlook on both music and life. In a recent interview, the composer revealed that he learned the importance of riyaz (practice) from the ‘Nightingale of India’.

When asked if there are any pre-stage rituals or vocal exercises that he practices before his shows, Rahman told Mashable India that he learnt to do riyaz from Lata Mangeshkar. The composer said, “I learnt from Lata ji how she goes to concerts once. I never used to practice before. I used to think that I am a composer, they will understand me.”

Also Read | Lata Mangeshkar refused to sit for 8 to 10 hours while recording Rang De Basanti song; insisted on flying to AR Rahman’s studio in Chennai: ‘That’s how humble she was’

He added, “We did a concert in 2006 with Lata Ji’s foundation in Hyderabad. Before the concert, I hear someone practicing. Lata ji was inside, practicing with a harmony. I thought, ‘Why does she have to practice? She is Lata Mangeshkar.’ I said to myself, ‘Oh, is that how people do things?'”

Post the incident, AR Rahman started ‘riyazing’ before his concerts. “That’s when I started riyazing. I do it for around 30-40 minutes now,” he said.

Also Read | Gulzar says Lata Mangeshkar struggled with isolation at AR Rahman’s studio while recording Dil Se’s ‘Jiya Jale’: ‘Who am I singing for?’

On the work front, Rahman has an exciting lineup of projects in the pipeline, including Lahore 1947, Thug Life, Tere Ishk Mein, Peddi, and Ramayana: Part 1.

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