Music legend AR Rahman has made a startling confession. He revealed that people repeatedly gaslighted him into believing his recent work was not good enough. This psychological pressure pushed him to take on an extraordinary number of projects.
The Intentional Creative Rampage
Rahman explained his intense work schedule over the last six years was completely intentional. He composed music for 20 to 30 films between 2019 and 2025. The composer felt compelled to prove his relevance to a new generation of listeners and filmmakers.
Confronting the Gaslighting
In a candid interview, Rahman described the subtle criticism he faced. "People come with nostalgia for the '90s," he said. "They praise 'Roja' and imply your current music isn't as good. That kind of talk harms your thinking if you're not in your best mood."
This persistent gaslighting made him question his own output. He decided to fight back through sheer productivity. "I thought, what if I go on a rampage? Keep doing movies, songs after songs?" Rahman stated. His strategy worked. Directors now reference his recent work like "Thug Life" instead of only his classics.
A Diverse Portfolio of Recent Work
The Oscar-winning composer's recent output spans multiple industries and languages:
- Hollywood: Blinded By The Light
- Tamil Cinema: Ponniyin Selvan I & II, Ayalaan, Lal Salaam, Thug Life
- Bollywood: Mimi, Atrangi Re, Dil Bechara, Tere Ishk Mein
- Malayalam: Malayankunju
This extensive list represents what Rahman calls "the modern, new me." He emphasized the need to keep evolving and dropping old formulas. "We're growing old, so is the listener," he noted. "Whatever comes out of the radio, I should like it first."
The Burden of Past Success
Rahman spoke openly about the psychological weight of his achievements. "Two Oscars can be a burden," he admitted. The thought of having won 33 Filmfare Awards and two Oscars can drain motivation. He consciously avoids referencing these awards in his social media bios.
"I need to get my self-esteem and confidence back," Rahman explained. "What I'm doing next is going to be the best thing. Not rely on the past." He views 2026 as a fresh start, free from the shadow of previous accolades.
Looking Forward to New Challenges
The music maestro has major projects lined up. He will co-compose the score for Nitesh Tiwari's two-part adaptation of the Ramayana. The epic film releases this Diwali and next Diwali. Rahman is also composing for upcoming films by longtime collaborators Imtiaz Ali and Mani Ratnam.
His philosophy remains bold. "You jump onto what's next," he said. "Even if it's going to fail, it's fine." This attitude reflects his commitment to continuous innovation and artistic growth, proving that even legends must constantly reinvent themselves.
