AR Rahman calls composing Ramayana music an honour, jokes about not everybody liking his work

AR Rahman made a playful remark about criticism and people ‘not loving’ his work as he spoke about composing the soundtrack of Ramayana at his Mumbai concert.

AR Rahman brought his Wonderment Tour to India with a sold-out concert at Mumbai’s Jio World Garden on Sunday, November 1. The singer-composer performed in front of 10,000 people, bringing them some of his greatest hits. During the three-hour concert, Rahman also spoke about composing the music for the upcoming film Ramayana, while taking a jibe at the criticism of its soundtrack.

Rahman talks Ramayana and criticism

AR Rahman performed at Mumbai's Jio World Garden as part of his Wonderment Tour. (Photo by FleckMedia)

On Sunday evening, Rahman played some of his biggest hits in a three-hour show in Mumbai, the first of his India leg of the Wonderment Tour. In the middle of the concert, Rahman had his team perform Mangal Rang, the track from Ramayana released last month. Before the song was performed, the composer spoke about the film. “The biggest Indian film is set to come out, Ramayana,” he said, adding, “It's an honour to serve my country, to serve such belief in India.”

Speaking to the audience from the stage, Rahman added, “With whatever little talent I have, I'll use that to bring beauty into the music and the soundtrack. They say now, if everybody likes your work, get out from that place.”

The criticism of Ramayana's soundtrack

Last week, while speaking with Hindustan Times, Rahman had addressed the reactions. “We do so much work, filtration, ideation, and iteration that there's no energy left to look at feedback! We just put it out because it's been tried and tested so much. My son keeps telling me, 'This is what they said yesterday, now they're apologising...' I say fine, I've done my work sincerely and hope people celebrate it,” he had said.

All about Ramayana

The music for Ramayana is composed by Rahman alongside Hans Zimmer, who is making his Indian film debut. Talking about collaborating with the legendary composer, Rahman had told Hindustan Times: “Him coming onto the project is such a blessing because it changes the narrative. If someone in New Zealand or Europe sees Hans Zimmer's name, they will watch. If they just see Indian names, they might think it's just another Indian movie, but they'll be curious to see what he has done collaborating on this. It's a great move by the producer.”

Produced by Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana and directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is a two-part film starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Yash as Ravana, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Part One releases worldwide on November 5, ahead of Diwali. The second part is slated for release around Diwali 2027.

Rahman's Wonderment Tour

AR Rahman, meanwhile, performed at Jio World Garden, Mumbai on November 1. Following this, he will perform at the Backyard Sports Club, Gurgaon on November 21, as part of his Wonderment Tour. The three-hour musical experience brings together some of his most iconic 90s compositions alongside his contemporary work, with a large-scale live production and international ensemble.