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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ranjit Barot calls Chennai more professional than Mumbai as he recalls working with AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam on ‘Humma Humma': 'Bollywood is run by businessmen who have no respect for musicians'
Renowned drummer and music composer Ranjit Barot , known for his long-standing association with AR Rahman, recently opened up about his dissatisfaction with working in the Hindi film industry. He spoke about his collaboration with Rahman and Mani Ratnam for the 'Bombay' movie's soundtrack. The musician also revealed why he has grown disillusioned with the Hindi industry, which, according to him, is run by businessmen who show no respect to musicians. Ranjit calls South industry more professional than Bollywood In a conversation with O2India, Barot drew sharp comparisons between the music cultures of Mumbai and Chennai. He said that his bond with Rahman was rooted in friendship before it ever became a professional relationship. He also recalled their collaboration on the chartbuster 'Humma Humma', sharing that he knew the song was going to be a hit the moment Rahman played it for him. They had also discussed the Oscar-winning music director's decision to convert to Islam. Rahman had even shared stories from his childhood with Barot. Barot enjoyed the creative freedom on Mani Ratnam's sets, as the acclaimed filmmaker trusted their process entirely and never interfered. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Ratnam once saw him and Rahman chatting instead of working on the first day of composing Humma Humma, but he didn't intervene. Instead, Ratnam quietly left, believing that a relaxed and happy environment leads to better music. Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Twitter after they raise concern over threat to free speech, asks 'Who are they?' Ranjit Barot opens up about his experience working with RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal Barot had also collaborated with RD Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal in the past, but he is now distancing himself from Bollywood projects. According to him, the treatment of musicians in Mumbai has drastically declined over the years. 'Chennai is far more professional than Mumbai. The respect for musicians is a lot more in Chennai. The Mumbai film industry is run by businessmen who have no respect for musicians. I had worked with Laxmikant-Pyarelal and RD Burman; producers in the 80s would be very respectful. Today, the producers feel like if they give you money, they own you. I don't owe anyone anything,' he added. He further criticised the commercial mindset prevailing in Bollywood, which he believes has affected the longevity and soul of music.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Bollywood run by businessmen, no good music coming from there': Bombay musician on working with AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam, calls Tamil cinema ‘more professional'
Drummer and composer Ranjit Barot, who has worked extensively with AR Rahman, recently spoke about the Hindi film industry and how it is ruled by businessmen who don't respect musicians. He also reflected on his first collaboration with Rahman for Mani Ratnam's cult film Bombay. Speaking to O2India, Ranjit shared that he and Rahman were 'friends before becoming colleagues', and during their first collaboration for the song 'Humma Humma' from Bombay, the two simply talked for hours. He said, 'Rahman played the track and I knew the potential the song had. Then we went on discussing life and how he converted to Islam and embraced the faith. He told me about his childhood. We became friends before we became colleagues, and I think we still maintain that.' Ranjit admitted that despite Rahman's introverted nature, they became close friends. Ranjit shared that while many filmmakers want to control musicians and how they work, Mani Ratnam was the exact opposite. He recalled Mani Ratnam catching him and Rahman just talking during the first day of Humma Humma, but the filmmaker didn't interfere and left them to their own devices. He said, 'So Mani Ratnam ji came, he saw that we were busy chatting with each other on the first day and it was only the second day when I started working on this song.' When asked if Mani Ratnam was upset to see them chatting, he said, 'Mani ji has a supreme mind. He knows happy people make happy music. He was very sweet. He just left us alone and went home.' Ranjit, who has worked with legendary composers like RD Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal in the early days of his career, admitted that he no longer works with the Hindi film industry. Sharing his reasons, he said, 'Chennai is far more professional than Mumbai. The respect for musicians is a lot more in Chennai. Mumbai film industry is run by businessmen, who have no respect for musicians. I had worked with Laxmikant Pyarelal and RD Burman; producers in the 80s would be very respectful. Today, the producers feel like if they give you money, they own you. I don't have any.' Ranjit also blamed producers' attitudes for music having no shelf life in the Hindi film industry. He said, 'Music now only makes sense for the film and the star in it. I don't remember any good music coming from Mumbai. It's also producer and directors meddling with composers.' He added, 'The output is one big Punjabi wedding. That's what we have here in Bombay. All songs are one big dance number.'
Time of India
26-06-2025
- 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.
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘AR Rahman is chotta school ka bacha', says Anuradha Paudwal, recalls his teaching approach: ‘Aap aisa gaa rahi hain…
Legendary artistes AR Rahman and Anuradha Paudwal have collaborated on just two songs, and they went on to become cult classics. Their tracks 'Kissa Hum Likhenge' and 'Pa Jaye Kismat Se Tum Humko Mile Ho' from the film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998) are remembered till date. In a recent interview with O2 India, Anuradha spoke highly of the Oscar-winning music composer. She also recalled Rahman's approach of teaching music to his students. During the candid conversation, Anuradha shared that in her eyes, AR Rahman is one of the 'finest music directors' we have. 'Music is like light – when you switch it on, then every corner brightens. I have seen that in Rahman ji. It is not about only his own work, he wants people around him also to prosper. They should also do well in music,' she said. Recalling how he was teaching a student, the singer revealed, 'I was in his studio once and I saw a very young girl was in his recording session. She was singing beautifully, with every expression and note. He was telling the girl, 'Ma'am aap aisa gaa rahi hain, aur aisa chahiye.' That's a very big art.' ALSO READ | 'AR Rahman always brings an element of surprise,' says singer Madhushree: 'He adds his touch later, and it turns out to be magical' She added, 'To be able to tell you what they want and what you are not doing, people are not able to express that. Yeh theek nahi aaraha hai, yeh bolte hain, but theek kya nahi hai? Singer can correct only if you tell exactly what is going wrong. That is a very rare quality I saw in his studio.' Doli Saja Ke Rakhna marked the first collaboration of AR Rahman and Anuradha Podwal. Srinidhi and Hiral Viradia, who are trained singers, also joined Rahman in the studio. Talking about the same, Anuradha said, 'That's unusual. In my entire experience, she was the only recordist who I saw was singing alongside. When I asked her, she said that I like singing but I am not a singer. She was so professional. He nurtures everyone so painstakingly. People need to know this side of AR Rahman.' She continued, 'The children who qualify from his school have another level of preparation. Normal people don't know all this. He is a very nice and humble person. He has touched such heights, in spite of that, ek chotta innocent school ke bachche ki tarah hain. Very down to earth, no hanky panky or manipulation. He is very simple, which is so rare. This quality mirrors in the compositions that he does. That's why the general public immediately connects to his songs.'
News18
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Madhushree Says AR Rahman ‘Always Adds An Element Of Surprise' To His Music
Last Updated: Madhushree also spoke highly of her work with South Indian composers like Yuvan Shankar Raja and Harris Jayaraj. Singer Madhushree, celebrated for her soulful voice and emotive renditions, has carved a niche for herself in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Over the years, she has delivered several iconic tracks, collaborating with musical legends like AR Rahman and MM Keeravani. Her memorable songs include Kabhi Neem Neem, Marudhani, Jaana Hai Jaana Hai and Soja Zara, among others. In a recent conversation with O2India, Madhushree fondly reflected on her experiences working with AR Rahman. 'He always adds an element of surprise," she said. 'Whether it's Kabhi Neem Neem or any other track, he brings his unique spin and the results are always magical." She added that Rahman often records his parts after the initial recording is done, infusing the song with a fresh energy that can transform the entire feel of the composition. Madhushree also spoke highly of her work with South Indian composers like Yuvan Shankar Raja and Harris Jayaraj. Praising their precision and musical clarity, she shared, 'South Indian music directors are incredibly talented. You're never left guessing—they give you exact notations, indicate where to pause and guide you through the phrasing. They make the process seamless." In addition to this, the singer went on to praise MM Keeravani, particularly for his precision and directorial clarity during song recordings. Madhushree said, 'When you go to sing for M.M. Keeravani, you don't have to do anything except follow what he says. They all have a really good understanding of singers." Lastly, she highlighted the key differences in work culture in Bollywood and the South film industry, citing the level of professional discipline she observed in the South. Madhushree mentioned that in South India, time commitments are taken very seriously, with recording sessions starting exactly when scheduled. Some of her notable songs include Naina Milaike, Tu Bin Bataaye, Kabhi Neem Neem, Tumhe Aaj Maine Jo Dekha, Maahi Ve and In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein, among others. First Published:
