Here are a few excerpts from Vignesh Shivn’s Part 2 conversation with AR Rahman.
VS: Tell us about your favourite actor.
AR: I am still stuck in the MGR Sivaji phase. MS Viswanathan - Ramamurthy music too. I would like to see an adaptation of classics such as Silapathikaram. Perhaps actors like Suriya and Nayanthara can take it further. I am excited about Ponniyin Selvan too. It’s a tough project. Mani sir always pushes us to do something better.
VS: You have worked with both Shankar and Mani Ratnam. You must have observed their styles.
AR: Both have opposite styles. Shankar puts in a lot of effort even if it's just a song. Mani is unpredictable. He would do a Alaipayuthey, an Iruvar, a Guru. His choices are eclectic.
VS: Tell us about working with actors in a singing capacity.
AR: I remember Vijay recording for Bigil. He wanted to record with my assistant and run away. I stepped in. He has a soft voice. With his output, the effort was 60 per cent better. He has it in him. His mother is a singer. It shows.
VS: What is your least favourite album?
AR: Dubbing works don’t turn out well. We don’t have control over the quality.
VS: You simultaneously worked on Alaipayuthey, Kandukondain Kandukondain and Lagaan. Different genres and every song was a super-hit. How did you manage it?
AR: I have been a multi-cultural person. These directors are my friends. Mani sir is of course, my mentor. All these helped. Rather than work, it was more of a discovery.
VS: Tell us about director Kathir with whom you have worked quite a bit.
AR: We have hung out a lot. He is an artist, painter and a poet. His taste matches with mine. He too panders more towards MGR and Sivaji.
VS: Your thoughts on K Balachander sir whose 90th birthday we celebrated recently.
AR: His movies are like world cinema. He sets the precedent for us to push boundaries. He pushes us to rise to that level. He and Kavithalaya have set that standard.
For the entire conversation, tune in below.