AR Rahman says one should not cater to ‘carnal needs like violence and sex’ in first appearance since divorce announcement

AR Rahman made his first appearance since his divorce announcement at IFFI 2024 in Goa.

New Delhi | Updated: November 28, 2024 04:00 PM IST

3 min read

Sonu Nigam praised AR Rahman's generosity as a music composer. (Photo: AR Rahman/Instagram)

AR Rahman, who is one of the most renowned music composers in India, recently spoke about the promotion of musical theatre in India at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. At the masterclass, where Rahman had a conversation about the impact of music on people’s lives, the composer said that instead of catering to one’s carnal needs, one can engage in music to heal themselves.

Rahman spoke about mental health and said, “Now we all have mental health issues, depression. Because I think there is a void in all of us. That void can be filled by storytellers, by philosophy, by entertaining in a way where you don’t even know that you are taking medicine, by not just catering to your carnal needs like violence and sex and all that stuff. There’s much more than all that stuff.”

ALSO READ | Raj Kapoor made casteist remark against Zarina Wahab, but meant it as a compliment: ‘He would call Waheeda Rehman the same word’

Earlier this year, AR Rahman spoke about overcoming suicidal thoughts as he addressed a gathering of Oxford Union debating society students. He shared, “When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts.’ That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother. When you live for others, and you’re not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life. I took it very seriously, whether you’re composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or you just smile at someone, these are the things that keep us going. Also, we have a limited knowledge about our future. There could be something extraordinary waiting for you. If you have all these things, and hope, that’s what keeps me going. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve done it all, that I’m in a repetitive cycle, and then you realise there’s a bigger role for you.”

In the same conversation, Rahman shared his views on spirituality and said, “We all have dark times. One thing is definite; it’s a small little travel in this world. We were born, and we’re going to go. It’s not a permanent place for us. Where we’re going to go, we don’t know. (It depends) on each person’s own imagination and beliefs.”

AR Rahman and his wife of 29 years Saira Banu recently announced their separation.

From the homepage