AR Rahman makes rare comments about late father, says he avoids revisiting ‘intolerably dark’ memories of him: ‘Towards the end, he looked like…’

In a recent interview, AR Rahman shared insights into growing up as the son of RK Sekhar and Kareema, and why prayer makes him feel worthy.

AR Rahman on his memories about father RK Sekhar and mother Kareema

AR Rahman's brother-in-law, actor Rahman, described him as a 'reserved' man.

AR Rahman, son of veteran composer RK Sekhar, is a bona fide legend of our times. The Chennai-based music director often speaks about his mother, but he is usually reticent when it comes to sharing memories about his father. However, in a recent interview with The Week, the Oscar-winner shared insights into growing up as the son of RK Sekhar and Kareema. “The memory of his death is intolerably dark. That is why I never speak about him,” said Rahman, who reminisced about his father’s final days, and the strength that his mother showed after his passing.

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“Post his death, the way Mr Ilaiyaraaja, who was working with Dhanraj master along with my father, spoke about his generosity, or L Subramaniam’s memory about how my father asked him to come to recordings and use that money for his education, etc… make me feel nice, even now,” said Rahman, who added that his father’s kindness, generosity, and his encouraging nature inspire him. “But his end was not that good,” said a rather grim Rahman, who painted a vivid picture with his words. “He was like Gollum. His face was almost like the skull, he had a protruding paunch, legs were bony… that image was dark for me. But I think his incredible blessings have reached my sisters, me, GV Prakash Kumar, my son and my daughter.”

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Rahman also pointed out that the biggest lesson he learnt from his mother was her resilience. “She is a very strong person. Despite the humiliation she faced, she never gave up or tried to take her life. She showed women can be resilient, and came back in a very spiritual form,” said Rahman, who delved into the core idea of his spirituality.

“Prayer is very essential. because we realise how small we are unless we become one with the divine. Without that, I feel worthless,” said one of the most celebrated and decorated composers of our times. He added, “The worthlessness is constantly there, and the only way to feel worthy is to recognise the infinite. It does become a habit after a while.”

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Rahman discussed how saying prayers becomes second nature, and it is a good habit to have. “It drives all the negative emotions away. It removes the complexities of mental illnesses, and gives you a purpose in life.”

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On the music front, Rahman, who recently won the National award for his work in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan, is currently working on multiple films including Thug Life, Genie, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Chhaava, Lahore 1947, Suriya 45, and Tere Ishq Mein.

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