In a shocking revelation that highlights the creative tensions behind one of Bollywood's most iconic films, director Ram Gopal Varma has confessed he once wanted to physically hit legendary composer AR Rahman during the making of Rangeela's timeless soundtrack.
The Goa Composition Disaster
During a recent interview with Pinkvilla, RGV recalled the frustrating experience of working with Rahman on the iconic 'Hai Rama' song from the 1995 cult classic. The director revealed they had traveled to Goa specifically for the song's composition, expecting quick results from the musical genius.
"We went to Goa for the composition of the 'Hai Rama' song. We were there for five days," Varma remembered. "First day he told me, 'Ramu, I'm just thinking of something, I'll make you listen tomorrow.' Second day he said something else. Third day he said something... all five days he was not doing anything."
Rahman's Surprising Confession
The situation reached its peak when Rahman finally admitted what had been occupying his time during those five unproductive days. "And then he told me, 'Next time you get me to a hotel, make sure there is no TV. Because all this time I was watching TV,'" RGV disclosed.
The confession pushed the director to his limits. "I wanted to hit him, you know," Varma admitted candidly. However, the musical masterpiece that eventually emerged made the wait worthwhile. "But then, when he finally came up with that 'Hai Rama' song, obviously, I guess for great things one needs to have the patience to wait. And it's worth it at the end of the day, which is what he proved."
Initial Disappointment with the Composition
Earlier, during a chat with O2 India when Rangeela completed 30 years, RGV had shared more details about his initial reaction to the 'Haaye Rama' composition. The director had envisioned "a very erotic number" and even used "Kaate Nahi Katte" from Mr India as a tonal reference when briefing Rahman.
When Rahman finally presented the tune, Varma's reaction was far from positive. "I thought he had gone mad. I thought, by mistake, he had sent me something else, some classical Carnatic raga," he confessed.
Unable to reconcile the melody with his vision for an erotic number, RGV immediately contacted Rahman. "I asked him, 'I wanted something erotic, and you've sent me this?' Rahman told me, 'Sir, this is made for the same situation.' I was like, how can we fit this situation with that tune?"
The Gradual Appreciation
Despite his initial disappointment, Varma's perception of the composition gradually transformed. "When I had the CD with me, I kept playing it every once in a while, and then suddenly, it got stuck in my head," he revealed.
This transformation in appreciation underscores the genius of AR Rahman's composition style. What initially seemed mismatched eventually became inseparable from the film's identity.
The soundtrack for Rangeela, featuring Urmila Matondkar, Aamir Khan, and Jackie Shroff, proved to be a blockbuster and continues to be loved by audiences decades after its release. The film itself has achieved cult status, remembered for its compelling storyline, memorable dialogues, stellar cast, and timeless music that defied initial creative differences.
