Director Gautham Vasudev Menon has been known for his taste for great music, and he has always expressed his love for the music of both Ilaiyaraja and AR Rahman. He has worked with AR Rahman in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, Achcham Yenbathu Madamiyada and their other language versions.

In the recently held first edition of Zee Cine Awards 2020 event, Gautham made a superb tribute for the Oscar winner, as he invited top music directors D Imman, GV Prakash, Anirudh and Yuvan Shankar Raja, and made them speak about their experiences and thoughts about AR Rahman.

Gautham Menon himself sung "Hosanna" and "Mannipaaya" from Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, and D Imman who said he learnt self discipline from Rahman, sung "Mustafa" from Kaadhal Desam, GV Prakash sang "Kadhal Sadugudu" from Alaipayuthey, Yuvan Shankar Raja sung "Komban Sura" from Maryan and Anirudh sung "Oorvasi" from Kadhalan and "Mersalayiten" from Ai, and finally the composers together presented AR Rahman "Pride of Indian music" award, which came as a fitting surprise birthday gift in advance for the legend. Rahman sung "Thamizha Thamizha" as he accepted the award, and entertained fans.