Image credits: The Indian Express
AR Rahman breaks silence on the recent ‘Oscars Awards’ furthering that, In India, the path is paved for the underserving movies to Oscars.
In a recent conversation between two music legends, AR Rahman and L Subramaniam, Rahman opened up about his approach to music and how he revolutionized the way music was composed in India.
Image credits: Times Now
When asked about how he changed the traditional method of composing music with a full orchestra, Rahman credited advancements in technology. He explained that back then, the industry only had eight tracks to work with, but coming from a background in jingles, he had access to 16 tracks, allowing him to experiment with different sounds and layers.
Rahman also highlighted the financial constraints of working with a full orchestra and how technology allowed him to bypass those limitations. He noted that the big instruments of the orchestra were becoming smaller and more accessible, and this allowed him to create the same depth of sound with fewer musicians.
The composer spoke about the freedom that having a home studio provided him with, allowing him to experiment and fail without the pressure of public scrutiny. He mentioned that his failures remained private, while his successes were all that the public saw.
Rahman also shared his passion for creating music that could compete with the West in terms of production quality, distribution, and mastering. He wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible in Indian music and create music that could appeal to a global audience.
The conversation then turned to the Oscars, and Rahman expressed his frustration with the selection process for Indian films. He believed that often the wrong movies were being sent for consideration and that India needed to be more strategic in its submissions.
He urged the industry to look beyond financial gain and consider the impact that winning an Oscar could have on Indian cinema’s global reputation. He stressed the importance of understanding the Western perspective and creating films that could resonate with a global audience.
In a conversation that was filmed in January 2024 and later released on his YouTube channel, AR Rahman discussed his approach to music and the Oscars with L Subramaniam, a fellow music legend. Rahman explained that his ability to experiment with music was made possible by advancements in technology, which allowed him to create layered soundscapes with fewer musicians than with traditional orchestral arrangements.
Rahman expressed frustration with the selection process for Indian films at the Oscars, noting that he believed that the wrong movies were often being submitted for consideration. He urged the Indian film industry to be more strategic in its submissions and to consider the impact that winning an Oscar could have on the global reputation of Indian cinema.
Despite this frustration, Rahman remained passionate about creating music that could compete on a global scale while still retaining its Indian identity. He spoke about his desire to push the boundaries of what was possible in Indian music and to use technology to create a more accessible and dynamic sound. His friendship and deep respect for L Subramaniam were evident in the conversation, with Subramaniam wishing Rahman a happy birthday towards the end of the discussion.
Rahman’s conversation with Subramaniam highlighted his innovative approach to music and his commitment to creating music that can resonate with audiences around the world. Despite the challenges of navigating the Oscars and the Indian film industry, Rahman’s passion for music and his desire to push the boundaries of what is possible remains undiminished.
