Work Is My World: A. R. Rahman Opens Up About His Lifelong Musical Journey

Music composer A.R. Rahman shared his deep passion for his work in a recent interview. He said that when he immerses himself in his work, it feels like a form of intoxication. He constantly pushes himself to improve, always seeking what more he can do and how he can do better.

Rahman recalled his earlier days, saying he had friends but often preferred to stay focused on his music. “Even if I had more free time, I would still be lost in my work. Even if creating a song takes 8 hours, I won’t stop. I keep going, seeking more time, better quality, and greater satisfaction. That’s my mantra. Working less just to spend more time with friends was never an option for me,” he explained.

He expressed his desire to explore new worlds of music and said he has been doing this for over 30 years now. Despite his deep commitment to work, Rahman said he values his friends greatly. He was recently hospitalized, and many singers and directors sent him caring messages. “They are all wonderful people, and I thanked each one of them,” he said.