A. R. Rahman quotes

A. R. Rahman is an Indian composer, singer, and music producer, famous for blending classical Indian music with electronic and world sounds. His innovative scores have won international acclaim and numerous awards, including Oscars and Grammys. He is celebrated for transforming the landscape of Indian film music and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Here are 36 of his quotes:

When you do something with a lot of honesty, appetite and commitment, the input reflects the output.

A. R. Rahman

Each one of us has our own evolution of life, and each one of us goes through different tests which are unique and challenging. But certain things are common. And we do learn things from each other's experience. On a spiritual journey, we all have the same destination.

A. R. Rahman

After a point of time, when you get success and fame, money and everything, the purpose of life has to be redefined. For me, I think that purpose is to build bridges. Artists can do that very easily, more than politicians.

A. R. Rahman

My mother's belief in spiritual healers grew stronger after our family went through a rough patch following my father's death. Sufi saint Karimullah Shah Kadri changed our lives, and all of us converted to Sufism. But it wasn't an instantaneous decision - it took us 10 years to convert. The change in religion was like washing away the past.

A. R. Rahman

I grew up on Bach and Beethoven, and now I'm listening to more modern composers who I can't even name. But since I'm constantly doing music, it's difficult to have that quality time to listen to music and do classical stuff.

A. R. Rahman

I never exert pressure on my children: I encourage the children, Katija and Rahima, to pursue their dreams. Rahima is embarrassed by autograph-seekers and doesn't want me to visit her school. In fact, I have never attended a single PTA meeting or gone to pick up the report cards of my children.

A. R. Rahman

The way I work takes more time for me to get satisfaction. So it's better to take lesser load and do better work. Money can be earned anytime.

A. R. Rahman

It's an approximate count. If you have a hit film, you'll sell 5 million or 6 million CDs. Of my movies, at least 20 or 25 were really big hits. [Mind you, he adds], in India, we don't get royalties. Otherwise I'd be a very rich man. I wouldn't have to come to America!

A. R. Rahman

The reason I love 'Slumdog' is because the music is all world cultures, all celebrating. In India, I know people feel other film scores [of mine] are closer to their hearts. But when you are doing a film, it's very important to make the film look like one full piece of artwork. I think scoring 'Slumdog' with every kind of music possible, from Chinese to hip-hop to M. I. A.... was really fresh ground for me.

A. R. Rahman

The trend in the north is more Punjabi folk and simple music. But, in the past, people like Naushad experimented with Hindustani classical music which I think has been completely forgotten. People don't experiment anymore and think that Hindustani classical music won't work. For me, coming from the south, it was just a little step to learn Punjabi music. The nuances are louder in Punjabi music. Songs like Mukkala muqqabla or Humma humma had more of the Tamil folk music in it.

A. R. Rahman

I'm always fascinated by the innocence of children and the baggage that we carry as adults which manipulates our decisions.

A. R. Rahman

Your inner voice is the voice of divinity. To hear it, we need to be in solitude, even in crowded places.

A. R. Rahman

I believe that whatever comes at a particular time is a blessing from God.

A. R. Rahman

I was a common man, and I will always remain a common man. No amount of stardom will ever consume my soul. Money comes, money goes. Fame comes, fame goes. I believe every human being is a celebrity in their own right.

A. R. Rahman

The idea of music is to liberate the listener and lead him to a frame where he feels he is elevated.

A. R. Rahman

The institution of marriage works better when there's a spiritual connection. If you're marrying just for the sake of the woman, then you may lose interest in each other very soon. When we marry in the interest of the Holy Spirit with the intention of serving God and humanity, then it gives a much larger perspective.

A. R. Rahman

I love classical music. I love a lot of musicians playing together and the whole culture of that, whether it's Indian or it's Western.

A. R. Rahman

I wanted to produce film songs that go beyond language or culture.

A. R. Rahman

We didn't know what kind of music we'd make, we didn't know if it would be any good, but we hoped we'd have fun. He brings so much musical knowledge, amazing musicianship, melody and singing power from a different culture.

A. R. Rahman

The Oscar is definitely the biggest moment in my life. I know he has won so many awards. But this one is special because he is representing India.

A. R. Rahman

Commended, multi-talented and innovative Rahman for bringing East and West closer through music and for making the world look at Indian film music more seriously. Diversity of his styles and themes was appealing to different sections of the society.

A. R. Rahman

Ever since I embraced Sufism, I have learnt to separate myself from my desires and my success. Now, I can distance myself from all the adulation showered on me.

A. R. Rahman