AR Rahman: ‘I don’t have anyone that I can call a friend… it’s just solitude’

Oscar winner AR Rahman, in a recent interview, talked about his friends circle, parenting and technology.

Chennai | August 22, 2023 04:10 PM IST

3 min read

AR Rahman says he has only solitude not friends. (Image: AR Rahman/Instagram)

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Indian music icon AR Rahman has been lowering his guard in recent times. The man of few words and many accolades was seen dancing in the promo song of his latest film Maamannan, “Jigu Jigu Rail”, which took his fans by surprise. He even recreated a parody video with lyricist Snehan and singer Subha. And, now, the musician has opened up about his friends circle.

When asked about his friends circle, Rahman told Suryan FM, “My close friend is my driver… It’s people who work with me. However, I don’t want them to be around forever. I keep telling them to move on with their life to do better things. Or else what’s the point? If I find someone is getting comfortable and not pushing it, I tell them I am going to let them go. So, I don’t have anyone that I can call a friend… it’s just solitude.”

Talking about parenting, the Oscar winner said he doesn’t believe in advising his kids. “They don’t follow what you say. You have to show them by doing it. He is going to do what I do saying, ‘Look that’s what Dad is doing.’ So, you are their mirror. They take after you. All sons want to live at least 10 per cent as their fathers. I keep hearing people say how my dad helped them financially. Even recently L Subramaniam (renowned violinist) told me how my dad offered help to pursue an education in music. I tear up when I hear such things. He later died after severe suffering. As the son of such a great person, I believe my purpose is to emulate my father’s deed,” he said.

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AR Rahman was also asked whether AI and technology will replace music artistes. “When I first bought a computer in 1984, everyone got scared. ‘Ayyayo, this boy is bringing in some small thing… he will not call us for work.’ But I started using it, and Raja sir reached out. We collaborated for Punnagai Mannan, that was our first collaboration. We programmed music for it. The human work gets better. I brought in an instrument from Singapore, which could even produce strings. But the work for string musicians went high after that because… if the instrument can produce this good music, imagine what real musicians can do with the same composition.”

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