People by WTF A.R. Rahman: The Genius Who Took Indian Music Global | Nikhil Kamath | People by WTF | Ep 15
18 snips
Nov 21, 2025 
A.R. Rahman, the iconic Indian composer celebrated for blending diverse musical styles, shares his journey from childhood in Chennai to global acclaim. He discusses his early loss, the impact of his mother’s strength, and the creation of his famous studio. Rahman candidly reveals struggles with self-doubt, the challenges of evolving as an artist, and his thoughts on AI's influence in music. He also explores the importance of humility, spiritual surrender, and how his artistic vision continues to redefine Indian music.
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Raised In The Studio
- A.R. Rahman grew up inside studios after his father's death and missed typical childhood experiences.
- His mother's strength and studio environment pushed him into music from a young age.
Home Studio Changed Everything
- Building his home studio (Panchathan) in 1989 let Rahman experiment without external judgment.
- That freedom led directly to Mani Ratnam hearing his work and to the breakthrough Roja soundtrack.
Practice With Intention
- Practice consistently and set a clear intention to learn; access to learning is easier now than ever.
- If you're trained, consider joining KM Conservatory to deepen composition and performance skills.
