AR Rahman has now reacted to singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s remarks after the latter claimed he is responsible for the downturn of live music and relies too heavily on technology in his works.
‘Rahman’s dependence on technology disrespects musicians with traditional instruments’: Abhijeet Bhattacharya
Abhijeet recently asserted that Rahman’s dependence on technology disrespects those musicians who perform with traditional instruments. He mentioned that this transition to digital music is making many instrumentalists unemployed.
In reply, Rahman justified his use of technology, clarifying that it’s not aimed at replacing live musicians but rather at improving the music creation process. He additionally claimed that he completely backs musicians and views technology as a means to discover new creative opportunities in music.
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It’s nice to blame me for everything, says Rahman
“It’s nice to blame me for everything. I still love Abhijeet, and I would send cakes to him. Also, it’s his opinion, and there’s nothing wrong with having one,” Rahman told India Today in an interview.
“I just established an orchestra comprising 60 women in Dubai. They are being employed each month and receive insurance, health benefits, and all else. In all the films that I do, whether it’s Chhaava or Ponniyin Selvan, around 200-300 musicians take part, and certain songs feature over 100 individuals working on them. I don’t flaunt or share pictures with them, so no one finds out,” he remarked.
Rahman also explained that computers are merely instruments for creating distinctive harmonies, enabling him to discover new sounds.
He highlighted that it’s not always practical to bring musicians on board for a project, only to turn down their work afterwards. Rahman added that the producers he has partnered with can attest to the many musicians he has worked alongside during his career.
Previously, esteemed playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya had shared a painful recollection from his sole professional partnership with Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman. He voiced his dissatisfaction regarding what he termed as a disrespectful attitude displayed towards national award-winning artists during a recording session for the 1999 film Dil Hi Dil Mein.
The track Ae Nazneen Suno Na marks the sole collab between Abhijeet Bhattacharya and AR Rahman. However, Abhijeet subsequently conveyed his discontent with the experience. He disclosed that Rahman frequently kept famous singers, composers, and lyricists waiting for hours at his studio without ever meeting them.
What troubled Abhijeet the most was that numerous artists had been awarded esteemed Indian civilian accolades such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, yet were treated in this manner.
