When AR Rahman Called Arijit Singh 'Reckless' and Expressed Pride in His Village Work Ethic
In a recent interview that has captured the attention of music enthusiasts across India, legendary composer AR Rahman shared heartfelt praise for playback singer Arijit Singh, using the term 'reckless' to describe his unconventional approach to music. Rahman's comments came just ahead of Arijit Singh's shocking retirement announcement, adding a poignant layer to the industry's reflections on the singer's career.
Rahman's Admiration for Arijit's Unique Style
Speaking with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman elaborated on his collaboration with Arijit Singh, highlighting the singer's deep understanding of music production. 'He's a great musician. He's a producer; he knows the art of producing and he is reckless also, like working from his village, which is very cool,' Rahman said. This description underscores Arijit's ability to create impactful music from a remote setting, challenging traditional studio norms.
Rahman further expressed his pride in Arijit Singh and other contemporary artists who have grown under his mentorship. 'I love that. I think any success of any musician is success for music itself,' he remarked, emphasizing how figures like Arijit and Shreya Ghoshal are reshaping perceptions of musicians as role models free from negative stereotypes.
The Context of Arijit Singh's Retirement
Arijit Singh's decision to retire from playback singing earlier this week sent ripples through the Hindi film music industry, leaving fans and colleagues disheartened. At a time when contemporary music faces challenges, his absence is felt as a significant loss. However, his choice was made for personal well-being, sparking an outpouring of support and nostalgia from fellow musicians.
Rahman's interview, conducted just before this announcement, now serves as a tribute to Arijit's legacy. When asked about his best collaboration with the singer, Rahman pointed to 'Agar Tum Saath Ho' from Imtiaz Ali's film Tamasha, a song that also marked Arijit's first duet with Alka Yagnik.
Rahman's Broader Reflections on the Music Industry
In the same conversation, AR Rahman addressed questions about potential prejudice within the Hindi film landscape, particularly regarding his background as a Tamilian. He stated, 'Maybe I never get to know of this, maybe it was concealed but I didn't feel any of this.' Rahman suggested that shifts in power dynamics might influence such issues, but he maintains a focus on letting work come to him through sincerity rather than active pursuit.
These comments initially drew online backlash, leading Rahman to later issue an apology, clarifying that he never intended to cause pain. This incident highlights the complex interplay of creativity and industry politics that Rahman navigates while celebrating artists like Arijit Singh.
Key Takeaways from Rahman's Insights
- AR Rahman describes Arijit Singh as a 'reckless' musician who excels in music production from his village.
- He expresses pride in Arijit and other young artists for challenging outdated stereotypes about musicians.
- Rahman's favorite collaboration with Arijit is the song 'Agar Tum Saath Ho' from Tamasha.
- The interview adds depth to the context of Arijit Singh's recent retirement, emphasizing his impact on the industry.
- Rahman also touches on broader industry issues, including potential prejudices and power shifts, while maintaining his artistic integrity.
Overall, AR Rahman's words not only celebrate Arijit Singh's unique contributions but also reflect on the evolving nature of the music industry in India, where talent and authenticity continue to shine through unconventional paths.
