AR Rahman, who collaborated with Oscar winner Hans Zimmer on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan, shared his thoughts on whether his religious identity influenced the project. Speaking on BBC Asian’s YouTube channel, Rahman said, “Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and the Ramayana is Hindu. As individuals, we need to rise above petty things.”
He added, “I studied in a Brahmin school, and every year we had the Ramayana and Mahabharata, so I know the story. It’s about virtue, higher ideals, and the lessons we can learn from them. People may argue, but I value all the good teachings. The Prophet has said that knowledge is invaluable, no matter where it comes from—a king, a beggar, a good deed, or a bad one. You can’t shy away from that.”
Rahman emphasized the importance of overcoming small-mindedness: “When we elevate ourselves, we become radiant, and that’s very important. I am proud of the whole project because it comes from India to the world, with love.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman discussed the challenges of the high-profile collaboration: “It’s terrifying for both of us. We’re scoring something so iconic that every Indian knows, and we have to give the world something new. In the promo, Hans had a soundscape, and I added Sanskrit words at the end. It’s about taking something epic and making it resonate globally.”
He also spoke about his approach to the film’s music: “We have to unlearn certain instincts, like thinking, ‘This is how Ramayana should be done,’ while still embracing the timeless quality of the culture. I’m working with Dr. Kumar Vishwas, who is like a professor of Ramayana and Hindi. Every part of him speaks Ramayana. He creates lyrics that are amazing, and he’s very kind. We’re having fun, and it’s a fresh approach.”
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the cast of Ramayan includes Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, Kajal Aggarwal, Arun Govil, and Indira Krishnan………….(Agencies)
