JAVED AKHTAR RECALLS AR RAHMAN’S STRANGE YET UNIQUE PRACTICE: ‘WHENEVER WE ENTERED THE MUSIC ROOM, HE WOULD LIGHT A CANDLE…’

Javed Akhtar and AR Rahman's collaboration has given the Indian music industry some of its finest songs. Akhtar, who has worked with Rahman in projects like Lagaan, Swades and Dil Se..., recently recalled two statements by the Oscar winning composer which he remembers till date.

Calling Rahman an unusual man, Akhtar told O2india, "Rahman is a very unusual man. He is not a usual person. Let me share something unique yet strange. Once we entered the music room. This was when we began working together. There used to be a candle in the room. After entering the room, he used to light the candle. I used to wonder what is the need of the candle when the room is lit? However, I never asked him anything. One day, I think he noticed my curiosity and told me the reason behind his habit of lighting a candle. He said, 'Everything is mechanical here. Everything is a machine. There should be something that's not a machine. Something real. This candle is not a machine. Its light is not a machine. It is not a bulb. It makes us realise that there are other things in life which is beyond machines."

Also Read | Bollywood six-month report card: Film industry’s in a free-fall, but where’s the bottom?

Recalling another incident, the veteran lyricist shared, "Though he is younger to me, he said something very wise to me which I will never forget. We were working for a producer, who made useless suggestions for a song. After he left, I felt irritated and commented, 'How can he talk such nonsense? That too with so much confidence? Rahman replied, 'No worries. We must listen to them. We should not compromise with our work, but at the same time when we listen to different opinions and try to satisfy them without losing our standard, we will do different kind of work. If we do only what we like, then there will be a similarity in the work. Our work will become monotonous.' What a wise thing to say? These two statements of Rahman, I will never forget."

Just recently, on the 23rd anniversary of Lagaan, Javed Akhtar had taken to his X handle to share a special note. His post read, "Today it is 23rd year of Lagaan release. I can never forget my music sessions with the director Ashutosh saheb who is also a dear friend and the musical genius AR Rahman whose each composition made me stand on my creative toes to reach the level of the tunes. I would like to thank both of them."

For the latest news from across India, Political updates, Explainers, Sports News, Opinion, Entertainment Updates and more Top News, visit Indian Express. Subscribe to our award-winning Newsletter Download our App here Android & iOS

2024-07-04T16:13:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd