A R Rahman reflects on life and Sufism as he completes 25 years in music industry

The two-time Oscar-winner has many awards and accolades to his name, including over 160 film soundtracks

07 Jul, 2017

Oscar-winning music maestro A. R. Rahman is currently celebrating his 25 years in the music industry. Currently performing in London, Rahman told Reuters in an interview that much of the success he has had is because of his religious beliefs.

Rahman was born into a Hindu family. However, in his 20s, he converted to Islam and adopted Sufism as the philosophy of life.

"Islam is an ocean, you know, it has different sects. More than 70. So I follow the Sufi kind of philosophy which is about love," Rahman said. "I am what I am because of the philosophy I'm following, my family is following. And of course, many things are happening, and I feel it's mostly political."

The 50-year-old soft-spoken artist has a long list of accolades, including two Oscars, two Grammys and a Golden Globe. The ever-so-humble Mozart of Madras has over 160 film soundtracks to his name, including the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and high-grossing films like Lagaan and Taal.

Nevertheless, Rahman says he has a lot more to achieve and hopes his music would keep bringing people together.

"If you take an orchestra, you have the underprivileged and the privileged, playing together. We have different races playing together. We have different religions playing together. But one sound comes out," he said. "You work towards one harmony."

Comments

Hafeejul Alam Jul 07, 2017 07:16pm

Agreed 100% with Oscar-winning music maestro A. R. Rahman. We should work together towards on harmony and that is love,not hate.

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Pj Jul 07, 2017 07:18pm

Love u rehman sir its not abt religion.

Abdul razak Jul 07, 2017 09:21pm

God bless you mystic singer.

Kaul Jul 07, 2017 11:06pm

Reference to his religion and faith in this otherwise brilliant lay written article is completely unnecessary

SATT Jul 07, 2017 11:10pm

Political Music.

S Zafar Iqbal Jul 07, 2017 11:55pm

AR Rehman is bringing people closer through his music, following the Sufi path. His Sufi ways are to be respected and emulated. For, the Sufi message is of inclusiveness, love and tolerance. The world needs it more than ever.

AZUL CHILE Jul 08, 2017 12:19am

Chances are what ARR believes in and what is widely practiced in Pakistan are of entirely different frequency. He is modern and not stuck in outdated, useless beliefs. Hope he achieves more. Our Tamil kings of yore went overseas, conquered and expanded their kingdom. ARR can do the same with his humility and talent.

Murali Jul 08, 2017 07:31am

As a Hindu, I love Sufi teachings, and am greatly influenced by the thoughts of that great Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-din Muhammad Rumi.

Kumar Jul 08, 2017 07:40am

@Kaul . I too fail to understand why people bring about religion everywhere

Hassan & Hussain Jul 08, 2017 09:43am

Rehaman was born to a Hindu father and Sunni mother .his father never believed in religion.he took up Sufism .his sisters married hindus.they are beautiful combination of Hindu Muslim.

skumar Jul 08, 2017 10:42am

he is the embodiment of humility and his music transcends boundaries of region , language and religion. .he is the great maestro and we tamils are very very proud of him.