Latest news with #ARRahman
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'The most important thing about art is freedom': AR Rahman at London forum
As AR Rahman delivered a deeply personal and philosophical address on the closing day of India Global Forum London 2025 on June 23, he said, "The most important thing about art is freedom—you can't do that with a film studio. " The Oscar-winning composer used the platform to reflect on the evolving nature of creativity, the urgency of preserving Indian classical arts, and the complex role of artificial intelligence in music and storytelling. Rahman opened up about his growing dissatisfaction with traditional cinematic formats, saying, 'In cinema for over 40 years now, I was bored with the same rectangle form. It's just seeing and hearing—what else can we do?' This question led to the creation of Le Musk , his multisensory, immersive project that blends scent, touch, and narrative. Inspired by a conversation with his late wife, the project is now set for a year-long run in London. 'Why not create a theatre experience with perfume and haptics?' he said, describing Le Musk as more than a film—an experiment in expanding the sensory boundaries of storytelling. The conversation soon turned to the future of Indian classical music. Rahman sounded the alarm on the dwindling presence of traditional instruments and artists. 'Where is the next shehnai player? Where is the next Bismillah Khan Sahib?' he asked. 'Unless we find them, recognise them, and let the world see them—they'll vanish.' To address this, Rahman spoke of an initiative he's developing— JHAALA —that aims to spotlight under-recognised classical talent through technology, global exposure, and institutional support. 'We need to make the invisible visible,' he said. Rahman also offered a nuanced perspective on Artificial Intelligence. 'AI is like Frankenstein—it just steals from human experiences, human knowledge, human art, and then puts together multiple thoughts. It's copied from us.' Despite this, he encouraged artistes to use AI as a tool rather than view it as a threat. 'Don't fear it. Use it to speed up the mundane.' Rahman also pointed to global examples of cultural resurgence led by policy and collective effort. 'Look at South Korea and K-pop—it emerged in the last 10 years because of government involvement and economic growth. That needs to happen with Indian music too. We need to reinvent the wheel.' Throughout the session, Rahman repeatedly returned to the idea that art must remain untethered. 'True art doesn't always fit inside formats or institutions,' he said. 'It needs space to breathe.' He ended the session with a reminder of music's transcendent power: 'Music connects. It heals. It's a shared soul. And it belongs to everyone.'
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
AR Rahman opens up about his midnight cravings: ‘My son orders…'
Musician AR Rahman recently opened up about his life, his love for romantic numbers, and his midnight cravings. The Oscar-winning artiste, who has always been a private person, shared that he starts his mornings by 'waking up and saying my prayers.' On asked whether he indulges in midnight cravings or cheat meals, he told CurlyTales, 'I get burgers. My son orders burgers sometimes for me.' Taking a leaf out of his admission, let's understand what happens when you sometimes indulge in foods like burgers in the middle of the night? Occasional treats trigger temporary blood sugar spikes and dopamine-driven satisfaction, efficiently managed by the body's metabolic machinery, said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator. However, habitual late-night eating risks circadian disruption, fat storage, and inflammation linked to skin conditions like eczema, added Malhotra, further stating that the 'key lies in frequency.' A post shared by Curly Tales Middle East | A Fork Media Group Co. (@curlytalesme) 'Strategic indulgences (paired with fibre-rich sides, consumed before 10 PM, and using whole-food ingredients) allow enjoyment without derailing health. As Rahman's creativity thrives on balance, occasional nourishment with intention, not perfection, fuels both body and spirit,' said Malhotra. For healthier late-night options, try Greek yoghurt with berries (protein + antioxidants), nut butter on moong dal crackers (healthy fats + fibre), or air-popped popcorn (low-calorie crunch). Malhotra shared that one can satisfy sweet cravings with banana-almond butter (a source of tryptophan, which promotes sleep) or pistachios (a natural source of melatonin), and opt for hydrating choices like curd or buttermilk, or magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds. 'These alternatives curb hunger, support digestion, and promote restful sleep without the metabolic strain of heavy meals,' said Malhotra. What else to note? Generally, it is best to avoid late-night meals, such as one eaten as late as midnight. 'Late-night eating can alter our circadian rhythms, which can reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes over time,' Malhotra said. She also noted that eating late at night can lead to poor sleep, which can ultimately affect mental health. 'The body's metabolism slows down during the night and cannot efficiently burn as many calories, leading to weight gain. Additionally, eating late at night can lead to digestion issues,' said Malhotra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘I would love to sing for Shah Rukh Khan': Shashwat Singh on collaborating with Pritam and Anurag Basu for Metro… In Dino, and the irreplaceable void left by KK
As expected from the creative synergy of Anurag Basu and Pritam, the music of Metro… In Dino has captured hearts and set the internet abuzz. Among its standout tracks, 'Zamaana Lage' has emerged as a fan favourite, playing on loop, dominating reels, and evoking a wave of nostalgia for the iconic voice of KK, who immortalized the soundscape of Life in a… Metro. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, singer Shashwat Singh, who lends his voice to 'Zamaana Lage,' reflects on the magic of working with maestros like Pritam and AR Rahman, the creative chemistry with Anurag Basu, the often-overlooked art of crediting lyricists, and his heartfelt dream of one day singing for Shah Rukh Khan. Q: Let's start from the beginning. What's your earliest memory connected to music? And who were your biggest musical influences growing up? Shashwat: The earliest memory is of my mother singing to me. She has a beautiful sweet soprano voice. Her voice is the first inspiration of my life. Growing up I heard everything that my family was listening to. But the one composer who inspired me and my entire generation the most was AR Rahman sir. Q: Your playback debut with 'Wat Wat Wat' from Tamasha was not only powerful, but it was with none other than AR Rahman. What was it like to start your journey under his guidance? Also, how do you feel seeing the song go viral almost a decade later, especially on reels and social media? Shashwat: I call him my mentor. I studied music for the first time in his college. I learnt reading and writing music, music theory, some piano and some opera style western classical singing, music theatre etc. So starting my career with the principal of my music school, who is a legend in the world, was nothing less than perfect. It's a blessing from above. 'Wat wat wat' changed the trajectory of my music career and I'm forever in awe of that song because of how intelligently it has been made and used in the beautiful frames of Imtiaz Ali. Thanks to social media people finally understood the meaning of those lines by Irshad Kamil and that amazing music by Rahman sir. It took a decade but it got what was long due. Q: I noticed you've collaborated or lack of a better word provided 'additional vocals' for songs featuring Arijit Singh. What has that experience been like, especially working alongside such a well-recognized voice? Shashwat: With all due love and respect, I don't think it's right to call my performance on these songs as 'additional vocals'. I am a primary artiste on these songs and not an additional singer. All the songs I have sung are my songs. I have never recorded with him (Arijit) inside the studio, So it's always a surprise for me when a song releases with multiple voices. Q: You're right, my bad. I have also noticed that you have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. AR Rahman, Pritam, Amit Trivedi, and Sachin–Jigar. What sets each of them apart in the studio? Are there any interesting similarities you noticed, say between a Rahman and a Pritam? Shashwat: They are all different from each other. They all have different ways of approaching music. Thank god for that. I think the zeal they all posed towards their art is the common factor that keeps them at it. Q: Who are some of your favourite contemporary lyricists today? Is there someone whose writing you feel has a poetic or magical touch? Shashwat: There are quite a few lyricists today whose work I deeply admire. Among the contemporaries, Amitabh Bhattacharya stands out. His writing has a unique blend of wit, emotion, and poetry that consistently resonates. Irshad Kamil and Kumar Paaji continue to deliver beautifully crafted lyrics, while Kunal Vermaa and Shelly bring a fresh sensitivity to their work. I'm also excited by the newer voices like Siddhant Kaushal and Shloke Lal, in particular, are showing a lot of promise and have already penned some really poetic lines. That said, for me, the timeless magic still flows from the pens of Gulzar Saab and Javed Saab. Their words have that rare, almost otherworldly touch that continues to inspire. Also Read | Lyricist Sameer lashes out at makers of Animal for not giving due credit to composer in pre-teaser: 'Even sound recordist's name is there' Q: You've been part of projects involving both Anurag Basu and Pritam, a director-composer duo with a legendary track record. What was that creative atmosphere like? How involved were they with the musical process? Shashwat: I'm sure they both were fully involved. Recording 'Zamaana Lage' was a truly musical and immersive experience for me in the studio. It's a challenging song with a lot of depth and poetry. I always followed the brief that Pritam Da gave me. It's important to note that a song like this is never the result of a single person's effort. It's a collaborative journey that requires constant involvement and fine-tuning from the dadas and the entire team in the studio. Q: Speaking about 'Zamaana Lage,' Metro…In Dino is a sequel to Life in a… Metro, which had an iconic soundtrack sung by the legendary KK. Did you feel any pressure stepping into a musical legacy like that. Shashwat: No. It's a matter of respect and not pressure. No one can fill the void KK has left behind. I remember him during every single stage performance of mine and sing a few of his songs because that's how much my band and I admire what he has done in his career. Metro being the mammoth project it is, it definitely holds a lot of importance for me and everyone involved in this project. We always want to do justice to the music we are a part of and 'Zamaana Lage' got so much love from the audience that it makes me happy and proud that my name is a part of this legacy project. Shared post on Time Q: You also lent your voice to 'Sugar Baby', which sparked quite a bit of online debate. When a song faces intense social media scrutiny, how do you personally deal with that kind of attention, both positive and critical? Shashwat: Did it? I don't even know that people had a problem with it. I have four lines in the song. They are fantastic and I had a blast recording the song in Mumbai and Goa on different occasions. Q: You've already worked with some of the most legendary composers and lyricists. But is there anyone, maybe a composer or writer, you haven't worked with yet but dream of collaborating with? Shashwat: Vishal Bharadwaj. I love the sukoon his melodies hold and its best expressed in his own voice. There is a new artiste, Savera, I really enjoy his style. I would want to work on a song with him one day. Q: There's been an ongoing conversation in the industry about lyricists not getting proper credit in song promotions. What's your take on this issue, and what do you think needs to change? Shashwat: Is it? The world I'm in, there the lyricists get proper credits for writing a song and they also get royalties from all of the super hits they write. I know more lyricists with fancy cars and flats than fellow singers. I think every person involved in the creative part of the making of a song should be credited and paid for. Hopefully with ISAMRA and other such bodies, the basics of this industry get fixed soon. Q: Lastly, is there an actor you haven't sung for yet, but would love to? Who's your dream face for your voice? Shashwat: I would love to sing for Shah Rukh Khan. My dream face in the league of actors for my voice would be, Ranbir Kapoor. I have sung for him many times. I feel he is the most gifted one out there when it comes to lip syncing to a song with the right emotions, expressions and even the way he syncs to the breathing of the singer of the song. The truth is, I want to sing for all our superstars.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anuradha Paudwal calls AR Rahman 'rare': He nurtures everyone painstakingly; says he is like 'ek chotta innocent school ka bachcha'
Anuradha Paudwal fondly remembers her collaborations with AR Rahman, highlighting his unique teaching methods and genuine desire to nurture talent. She praised Rahman's ability to articulate musical nuances, enabling artists to improve instantly. Paudwal also noted Rahman's humility and dedication to his students, emphasizing the exceptional training they receive, reflecting his authentic and grounded personality. Legendary singers AR Rahman and Anuradha Paudwal may have collaborated on only two songs, but both became unforgettable hits. Their iconic tracks — 'Kissa Hum Likhenge' and 'Pa Jaye Kismat Se Tum Humko Mile Ho' from the 1998 film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna — remain fan favorites even today. In a recent chat, Anuradha praised the Oscar-winning composer and fondly recalled his unique method of teaching music to students. In conversation with O2 India, Anuradha called AR Rahman one of the 'finest music directors' of our time. She likened his approach to music as a source of light that illuminates everything around it. Praising his generosity, she noted that Rahman doesn't just focus on his own success but genuinely wants those around him to thrive and grow in music as well. The veteran singer recalled a moment at AR Rahman's studio that left a lasting impression on her. She shared that while observing a young girl recording a song, Rahman gently guided her through the nuances of expression and tone. 'He told her, 'You're singing it this way, but it needs to be like this,'' Anuradha said, calling it a rare and remarkable skill. She further praised AR Rahman's clarity as a composer, noting that many music directors struggle to articulate what exactly is missing in a singer's performance. She explained that Rahman has a rare ability to precisely communicate what needs to be corrected, which helps artists improve on the spot—something she witnessed firsthand in his studio. Doli Saja Ke Rakhna marked the first collaboration between AR Rahman and Anuradha Paudwal. Recalling the experience, Anuradha revealed that trained singers Srinidhi and Hiral Viradia were also present in the studio. What stood out to her was seeing a recordist sing alongside—a rare sight in her long career. When she asked about it, the recordist humbly said she simply enjoyed singing, though she wasn't a professional vocalist. Anuradha highlighted how Rahman nurtures every talent in his space with care and dedication, a side of him she feels more people should know about. Anuradha went on to praise AR Rahman's humility and dedication to nurturing talent. She said students from his music school emerge with an exceptional level of training—something the general public may not fully realise. Despite reaching global heights, Rahman remains grounded, with the simplicity and innocence of a schoolboy. Anuradha added that there's no showmanship or manipulation in his personality, and that rare authenticity reflects in his music, which is why audiences connect to his compositions so deeply and instantly.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rekha steals the spotlight at Umrao Jaan re-release: The evergreen actress kisses AR Rahman, dances with Anil Kapoor
turned heads and hearts at the grand re-release screening of her iconic film Umrao Jaan, proving once again why she remains Bollywood royalty. From greeting guests with grace to sharing unforgettable moments with AR Rahman and , the legendary actress lit up the evening as her 1981 classic gears up for a fresh run in cinemas—now digitally restored in stunning 4K. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The star-studded evening began with the arrival of celebrities like Mira Rajput, Anil Kapoor, AR Rahman, Hema Malini, Talat Aziz, Muzaffar Ali, Ila Arun, Raj Babbar, and Mahima Chaudhry. With the event just getting underway, many more familiar faces from the industry are expected to join the celebration. Check out the photos here: Pic: Yogen Shah Rekha charmed the crowd as she posed gracefully, greeting with both Namaste and Salaam. Dressed in a stunning gold and white ensemble reminiscent of her Umrao Jaan character, she truly embodied timeless elegance. In a heartwarming moment, she kissed AR Rahman while he took a selfie with her, and later shared a joyful dance with Anil Kapoor during his welcome. Umrao Jaan, preserved by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), is set to return to theatres on June 27, 2025. The timeless classic is celebrated for Rekha's iconic performance and its poignant tale of a young girl sold to a kotha in Lucknow, who rises to fame as a renowned courtesan and poetess. Directed by Muzaffar Ali, the cult classic Umrao Jaan will be re-released in PVR Inox cinemas across India. While initially set for a limited screen release, the film may expand to more theatres depending on audience response and box office demand. The Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan will face stiff competition at the box office as it re-releases alongside 's MAA, Brad Pitt's F1, and the Akshay Kumar–Vishnu Manchu film Kannappa. With such a diverse lineup, it will be interesting to see how this timeless classic fares against contemporary heavyweights.
