AR Rahman, the renowned Oscar-winning composer, recently reflected on the spontaneous creation of one of his most iconic tracks, "Kun Faaya Kun," from the 2011 film Rockstar, directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Ranbir Kapoor. In an interview with Mashable India, Rahman shared that the track was born not from meticulous planning but rather from a musical jam session that unfolded organically.
"We were making something else. I was sitting with Madhushree and Javed Ali with a harmonium, mixing and recording. We were jamming. I was playing, and Javed and Madhushree were singing. At one point, it all culminated, and magic happened," Rahman recalled, illustrating the serendipitous nature of the song's creation.
The original recording of "Kun Faaya Kun" was reportedly around 12 to 13 minutes long. Rahman later revisited this lengthy session and extracted portions that resonated with him, leading to the final version of the song. "Afterwards, I went back to the 12-13 minute long recording and grabbed portions from it. I said this is the tune we have. So 'Kun Faaya' was taken from that entire jam session," he explained.
Fifteen years have passed since the release of Rockstar, yet the soundtrack remains deeply etched in the memories of fans. The spiritual Sufi composition of "Kun Faaya Kun" not only captivated audiences but also had a profound impact on Ranbir Kapoor during the filming of a key scene at the revered Nizamuddin Dargah. The soundtrack, celebrated for its emotional depth, won numerous awards and is still regarded as one of Rahman's finest works.
Rahman also took the opportunity to discuss his enduring creative partnership with director Imtiaz Ali. The duo has collaborated on several successful films, including Tamasha, Highway, and the upcoming Amar Singh Chamkila. He commended Ali for his sensitivity to both lyrics and music, stating, "Imtiaz has a good ear for lyrics and tunes," and added that their working relationship is fluid. "Once we sign on a movie, I keep sending him tunes—whichever one I think could be good for his film. And then he lives with it. Sometimes he'll say he's found his tune, sometimes he'll throw it out," Rahman shared with a smile.
However, Rahman's journey has not been without its challenges. In a separate interview with News18 Showsha, he candidly discussed his struggles with maintaining friendships amidst his demanding career. "I did have friends, but I'm always behind. Even if I have a lot of time, I go deeper and more intense into work. If I know that making a song will take eight hours, I don't stop at that. I keep pushing myself beyond that," he admitted.
As he approaches the milestone of 30 years in the Hindi film music industry—having debuted with Rangeela in 1995—Rahman reflected on how his dedication to his craft has often come at the expense of personal connections. "I feel like it's some kind of a 'nasha' when I go into my work. I keep telling myself that I can do better and trying to find out what more I can do. I want to be able to tick mark all the boxes when it comes to getting into a new musical zone. In doing so, 30 years have gone by!" he noted.
Despite his busy schedule, Rahman expressed gratitude for the support he received during a recent health scare. In March 2025, he was hospitalized in Chennai due to neck pain, and many of his colleagues reached out with messages of concern. "When they heard that I was in the hospital, everyone reacted to it. So many singers and directors sent me messages. It was very kind of them. I acknowledged all that stuff and thanked them," he said.
Looking ahead, Rahman is set to kick off his "Wonderment Tour" in Mumbai in May 2025, a project that promises to showcase his illustrious career and musical evolution. He emphasized the importance of including his friends in his prayers, stating, "The best way to honor them is to include all of them in my prayers, which I do. That’s the only way I can celebrate my friendships."
Rahman’s reflections on his career and personal life reveal a complex interplay between artistic ambition and the human need for connection. As he continues to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide, his journey serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the beauty that can emerge from spontaneous moments of creativity.
In conclusion, AR Rahman's story illustrates not only his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft but also the personal sacrifices that often accompany such a commitment. His ability to weave together musical magic, as demonstrated through tracks like "Kun Faaya Kun," remains an enduring testament to his artistry.
