Javed Akhtar Reflects on AR Rahman’s Impactful Statements and Musical Collaboration
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/6th July 2024
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar recently reminisced about his fruitful collaboration with AR Rahman, highlighting the composer’s profound insights and their shared journey in creating musical masterpieces.
Akhtar, known for his work on iconic films like Lagaan, Swades, and Dil Se…, shared memorable anecdotes from his time working closely with Rahman. Describing Rahman as an unconventional personality, Akhtar recalled Rahman’s peculiar habit of lighting a candle in their music room during their initial collaborations. He mused about the symbolism behind it, Rahman’s belief in embracing something real amidst a mechanical world dominated by machines.
In an interview with O2india, Akhtar fondly recounted Rahman’s explanation: “Everything is mechanical here. Everything is a machine. There should be something that’s not a machine. Something real. This candle is not a machine. Its light is not a machine. It makes us realize that there are other things in life which are beyond machines.”
Another memorable incident Akhtar shared was Rahman’s wise counsel on handling criticism and diverse opinions. Despite being younger, Rahman imparted a valuable lesson to Akhtar during a challenging moment while working on a song. Reflecting on a producer’s unwelcome suggestions, Akhtar was initially irritated. Rahman’s response, however, struck a chord: “No worries. We must listen to them. We should not compromise with our work, but at the same time when we listen to different opinions and try to satisfy them without losing our standard, we will do different kind of work.”
Akhtar emphasized Rahman’s wisdom in balancing creative integrity with openness to feedback, ensuring their collaborations remained diverse and innovative. These profound statements, according to Akhtar, have stayed with him over the years, shaping his approach to creativity and collaboration in the music industry.
Recently, on the 23rd anniversary of Lagaan, Akhtar expressed his gratitude on social media, acknowledging the impact of Rahman’s compositions in elevating their creative process. He praised Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of Lagaan, for his vision and Rahman for his musical genius, stating, “Each composition made me stand on my creative toes to reach the level of the tunes.”
Akhtar’s reflections highlight the enduring influence of AR Rahman in Indian cinema, not just through his musical prowess but also through his insightful approach to artistry and collaboration. As their partnership continues to inspire generations of music lovers, Akhtar’s anecdotes serve as a testament to the depth and creativity fostered in their iconic collaborations.
