News/Lifestyle/Brunch/ Why AR Rahman embraced Islam, and other pertinent questions: India’s most reticent opens up in an exclusive interview to HT Brunch
Why AR Rahman embraced Islam, and other pertinent questions: India’s most reticent opens up in an exclusive interview to HT Brunch
The reluctant talker turns chatterbox; talks about turning film maker, and confesses why he’s awkward during interviews
That AR Rahman is a man of a few words is a universally known and reluctantly accepted fact. He is a superbly talented musician, but interviewing him is considered a challenge.
“I didn’t know how to frame my sentences earlier. My speaking could not keep up with my thoughts”
“Passionate people get angry to motivate more than anything else. Otherwise, nothing happens, right?”
“A lot of people have come to me and said, ‘Hey AR, if I convert to Islam will I be successful too? I’m ready!’ I keep quiet. It’s a trick question!”
“I had a lot of showdowns during the making of Le Musk. The main artists rebelled saying ‘what is this script?’ I had to explain it is for VR, not for film!”
“I use a major seven flat and fifth, but I don’t tell people what chords I use in my music. In the same way, the religious beliefs that define my character are personal”
“In between prayers, I think ‘I have to pray, so I can’t do this mischief’. People from other faiths do the same and are peaceful too”
Jamal Shaikh is National Editor - Brunch and New Media Initiatives at the Hindustan Times. He is a well-known TV host and magazine editor, who has launched and edited the Indian editions of Men’s Health, Robb Report and Discovery Channel Magazine. He tweets and Instagrams @jamalshaikh...view detail