AR Rahman has opened up about composing music for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, his collaboration with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, and the mixed reactions
to the film's songs. The Oscar-winning musician described the epic, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, as both an honour and a responsibility. Rahman also revealed that Hollywood's iconic composer Zimmer had invited him to collaborate 14–15 years ago, shortly after his Slumdog Millionaire Oscar win, but he was in "chill-out mode" at the time. Now, the two composers are joining forces for one of Indian cinema's most ambitious projects.
AR Rahman on making music for Ramayana
For Rahman, Ramayana is an opportunity to explore new creative territory rather than repeat past successes. The composer believes artists must continually evolve instead of relying on the music that made them famous. Reflecting on audience expectations, Rahman told Hindustan Times that he cannot remain confined to the achievements of films such as Rockstar and Slumdog Millionaire. "You can't stagnate yourself - you have to be like a flowing river," he explained.
Rahman described working on Ramayana as a tremendous honour because the epic is deeply familiar to generations of Indians. With songs being developed in five languages, the project also aims to reach audiences across different regions and beyond India.
Collaborating with Hans Zimmer
The Ramayana partnership is not the first time Zimmer has approached Rahman about working together. Rahman revealed that Zimmer invited him to collaborate approximately 14–15 years ago, shortly after his Oscar win for Slumdog Millionaire. However, Rahman was taking a break from work at the time. "He had actually invited me to work together 14–15 years ago, right after the Oscar, but back then I was in chill-out mode," he recalled.
Their paths have now converged on Ramayana, bringing together two celebrated composers for a story with enormous cultural significance.
Criticism of Ramayana songs
The songs of the film have received mixed reactions on the internet, with particular focus on Ravana Tandav, which was initially criticised by many, but later some of them changed their opinion. The changing responses included social media users apologising to Rahman.
The composer said he was aware of the discussion but did not spend much time following online feedback. By the time music reaches audiences, he explained, the team has already invested considerable effort in refining it. "We do so much work, filtration, ideation, and iteration that there's no energy left to look at feedback!" he said.
Rahman added that his son kept updating him about the changing reactions. "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 said.
His response reflects his preference for concentrating on the creative process rather than allowing online criticism to determine his view of the music.
About Ramayana
Ramayana, a two-part adaptation of the Indian epic, is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi plays Sita and Yash plays Ravana. The first part is slated to be released globally on November 5, 2026, ahead of Diwali. The second part is slated to release around Diwali 2027.
