What Music Is A.R. Rahman Listening To?

MUMBAI — Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman has given fans a rare glimpse into his personal listening habits, revealing the music and films that inspire him outside the studio.

When asked about his own favorites, Rahman said he often revisits tracks from Roja (1992), the Tamil drama starring Arvind Swamy and Madhoo, which also marked his breakthrough as a composer.

On the subject of artists he admires, Rahman named legendary composers Naushad, S.D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, R.D. Burman, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, and Amit Trivedi, while also praising independent musician Pratik and a growing wave of young talents. “Every day they are getting better and better,” he said, adding his best wishes to the new generation of artists.

Rahman also opened up about his love for Marvel films, which he often watches with his team as a way to unwind. “Sometimes we all go for Marvel movies — 20 or 30 people in the theatre — and we sit at the back, enjoy popcorn. Every two to three months, we go there,” he shared. While he doesn’t have a favorite character, he attends with a keen ear, curious about the sound design and music.

For Rahman, film outings are more than entertainment. As a composer, he finds himself analyzing the audio landscape, from how songs are layered to the creativity of the score. “It’s inevitable that you notice everything,” he explained. “You start criticizing — like how people criticize my work.”

By combining nostalgia for his own early music, deep respect for Indian masters, encouragement for young voices, and a playful love of Marvel blockbusters, Rahman once again revealed the curiosity and humility that continue to fuel his musical journey. (IANS)