I am a Muslim, composing for Ramayana, says AR Rahman: ‘I studied in a Brahmin school, value the good things’

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Rahman added, “I think we need to elevate from small-mindedness and selfishness. Because when we elevate and we become radiant — we become a radiant of that, and that’s very important. I am proud of the whole project, because it’s from India to the whole world, with such love. Hanz Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and the Ramayana is Hindu (text).”

When asked why he took this long to collaborate with Zimmer, despite the legendary composer being open to the idea for a long time, Rahman revealed that he wanted to relax in his career and make a space for himself. He said, “I think in the very initial stages (of my career), I wanted to be kind of aloof and independent. He gave me room in Remote Control, and then he put me in this super-band for the Oscars. At that point in my life, I wanted to be chilled out. I didn’t want to take the pressure. When Namit came around and said that the offer still remained, so both of us met, and he is very embracing.”

In another interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman spoke about collaborating with Zimmer on a project that is so close to the heart for Indians, “It’s terrifying for both of us. We’re scoring something so iconic and so important to the world. So in the promo, I think he had a soundscape, then I took that and added the Sanskrit words at the end and everything. What’s complicated is that we’re taking something so epic, which every Indian knows, and we have to give them something new. We have to give something to the world — from India to the world.”

He also spoke about how he is approaching the music of the film. “We have to unlearn certain things, like how our instincts demand, ‘Oh, this is how Ramayana should be done,’ but also imbibe the timeless quality that exists in the culture. It’s still a process. I’m working with Dr Kumar Vishwas, who is like a pro, almost at a professor level when it comes to Ramayana and the Hindi language. Every atom of his body speaks Ramayana. He comes up with lyrics like that, and he’s a very kind person. So we’re having fun, and it’s new.”

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the cast of Ramayana includes Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, Kajal Aggarwal, Arun Govil and Indira Krishnan.