“I Am a Muslim, Yet I’m Composing Ramayana”: AR Rahman’s Words Are Breaking the Internet
Nidhi | Jan 16, 2026, 13:17 IST
A.R. Rahman decides to slow down in career: "You sometimes miss life"
Image credit : IANS
AR Rahman has sparked widespread attention after speaking about faith and creativity while composing music for Ramayana. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning composer spoke about studying in a Brahmin school, his early exposure to Indian epics, and why religious identity did not influence his work. He also discussed collaborating with Hans Zimmer and the challenge of creating music for a story deeply rooted in Indian culture yet meant for a global audience.
Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman has once again found himself at the center of a cultural conversation—this time for his candid reflections on faith, art, and learning while composing music for Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
Appearing on the YouTube channel of BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked whether his religious beliefs influenced his approach to the Ramayana album. His response struck a chord online. “I studied in a Brahmin school, and every year we had Ramayana and Mahabharata, so I know the story,” he said, explaining that the epic’s focus on virtue and higher ideals transcends religious boundaries. “I value all those good things—any good things that you can learn from.”
Rahman went on to quote the Prophet, underscoring his belief that knowledge is invaluable regardless of its source. “You can’t shy away from things,” he added, calling for a move away from “small-mindedness and selfishness” toward a more elevated, radiant outlook. The composer said he feels proud of the project’s global spirit: “Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and the Ramayana is Hindu (text).”
![A.R. Rahman calls working in a silent film like Uff Ye Siyappa 'every composer’s dream']()
The collaboration itself has generated immense curiosity. Rahman is teaming up with legendary composer Hans Zimmer, a partnership years in the making. When asked why it took so long, Rahman revealed that early in his career he preferred to remain independent and avoid pressure. “I wanted to be chilled out,” he said, adding that the timing finally felt right when the opportunity resurfaced.
In another conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman admitted that scoring Ramayana is “terrifying” for both composers. The challenge, he explained, lies in creating something fresh for a story every Indian knows, while also presenting it to the world. “We have to give something to the world-from India to the world,” he said.
Rahman also spoke about the creative process, describing it as an exercise in unlearning familiar instincts while embracing the epic’s timeless essence. He is working closely with poet and lyricist Kumar Vishwas, whom he praised for his deep mastery of Ramayana and the Hindi language. “Every atom of his body speaks Ramayana,” Rahman said, adding that the collaboration has been both enriching and joyful.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release later this year, Rahman’s words have resonated far beyond music circles. For many, his message is clear: great stories, wisdom, and art belong to everyone and learning from them is not limited by faith, but enriched by openness.
Appearing on the YouTube channel of BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked whether his religious beliefs influenced his approach to the Ramayana album. His response struck a chord online. “I studied in a Brahmin school, and every year we had Ramayana and Mahabharata, so I know the story,” he said, explaining that the epic’s focus on virtue and higher ideals transcends religious boundaries. “I value all those good things—any good things that you can learn from.”
Rahman went on to quote the Prophet, underscoring his belief that knowledge is invaluable regardless of its source. “You can’t shy away from things,” he added, calling for a move away from “small-mindedness and selfishness” toward a more elevated, radiant outlook. The composer said he feels proud of the project’s global spirit: “Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and the Ramayana is Hindu (text).”
A.R. Rahman calls working in a silent film like Uff Ye Siyappa 'every composer’s dream'
Image credit : IANS
In another conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman admitted that scoring Ramayana is “terrifying” for both composers. The challenge, he explained, lies in creating something fresh for a story every Indian knows, while also presenting it to the world. “We have to give something to the world-from India to the world,” he said.
Rahman also spoke about the creative process, describing it as an exercise in unlearning familiar instincts while embracing the epic’s timeless essence. He is working closely with poet and lyricist Kumar Vishwas, whom he praised for his deep mastery of Ramayana and the Hindi language. “Every atom of his body speaks Ramayana,” Rahman said, adding that the collaboration has been both enriching and joyful.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release later this year, Rahman’s words have resonated far beyond music circles. For many, his message is clear: great stories, wisdom, and art belong to everyone and learning from them is not limited by faith, but enriched by openness.