Playing it my way
A R Rahman on the TV show Mission Ustad.. interviewed by Riya V Anandwala I get
mails about my compositions being used
What drew you to Mission Ustad? It's interesting that though I have never
watched a reality show, I've had several offers for them.
What I found interesting about Mission Ustad is that it is a music-centric show
with a cause. And it's amazing to see creative minds work towards reaching
their goal. Go on. (Laughs) Well, it's an enter taining show that talks about
significant issues. It's not just about who is the best singer but which singer
produces a better product.
If the subject is education, they have to compose a piece that is not boring or
preachy. And that's a tough job. We're not doing anything to boost TRPs. It's
dignified. AfterElizabeth-TheGoldenAge, willyouandShekharKapurwork together
again? With Shekhar, there's no professional deal. It's a partnership based on
friendship. If either of us needs the other, it just needs a phone call.
I have Jodhaa Akbar coming up, followed by Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na with seven hip
songs and Ada with 10 tracks. Then, there's Gajini and Yuvraj. How's The Lord
of the Rings album doing? It faced some criticism in Toronto but it is doing
quite well in London. Arethereanyotherinternational projects in the pipeline?
There were some feelers from a London-based company. But I don't want to be
tied down to a contract.
At the time when I was doing Roja for Rs 25,000, I was offered a Rs 3 crore
contract for 30 films a year.
I refused outright though the money was a necessity then. Today, it's not. It's
the passion for music that drives me. Music is dead without this passion. Are
you actively involved in the music industry's fight against piracy? Piracy is a
grave issue. It's important to acknowledge a composition. My music piece for a
Chinese film is being used left, right and centre for the promos.
I get mails about other pieces being used randomly.. just about anywhere. What
do you do as an individual?
