Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer AR Rahman recently reflected on his multi-decade career also his evolving relationship with live performances and the creative collaborations that have defined his legacy. Speaking ahead of his upcoming "Wonderment Tour" stops in Mumbai and Delhi, the celebrated musician shared candid insights into his transition from a reclusive studio composer to a stage powerhouse.
Rahman admitted that performing live was once a deeply intimidating experience. "There was a time when I was on stage I felt like I was seeing death I was so terrified," he revealed. Over the past 30 years since his debut live show in Malaysia in 1996 he gradually built comfort by collaborating with musicians who could faithfully interpret his complex arrangements on stage without diluting their original quality.
Addressing a common fan sentiment that his 1992 debut soundtrack Roja represented his peak, Rahman agreed also noting that he poured his entire early evolution into that project. However, he emphasized that film composition is a collaborative chemical process shaped by different directors and storytellers from Mani Ratnam (Roja, Bombay) and Subhash Ghai (Taal) to Imtiaz Ali (Rockstar) and Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire).
Describing his musical path as a privilege, Rahman expressed pride in prioritizing quality over quantity. He noted that seeing multiple generations connect with his music during live shows remains deeply gratifying. Looking back, the composer remarked that his core mindset remains unchanged: "Mentally, I have not grown old! I still have the same enthusiasm, curiosity about music and fascination with new talent."
The "Wonderment Tour" features a three-hour production celebrating Rahman's iconic 1990s hits alongside contemporary compositions. He will perform at Mumbai's Jio World Garden on November 1 and Delhi's Backyard Sports Club on November 21.
His upcoming film projects include the soundtrack for Ramayana, marking his first-ever collaboration with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer is scheduled for release on November 5.
