AR Rahman has reacted after singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya criticized him for using too much technology in his songs. Abhijeet had said that Rahman’s use of technology was harming live music and disrespecting musicians who play traditional instruments. He also claimed that digital music is causing many instrumentalists to lose their jobs.
In his response, Rahman explained that technology in his music is not about replacing live musicians but about improving and enhancing the music-making process. He said that he fully supports musicians and uses technology as a way to explore new creative ideas in music.
“It’s easy to blame me for everything. I still love Abhijeet, and I would even send cakes to him. It’s his opinion, and there’s nothing wrong with having one,” Rahman told India Today in an interview.
Rahman also shared that he recently set up an orchestra with 60 women in Dubai, where they are employed monthly and receive full benefits, including health insurance. He pointed out that in every movie he works on, like Chhaava and Ponniyin Selvan, hundreds of musicians are involved in creating the music, but he doesn’t always post photos to show it.
He added that technology, like computers, is a tool that helps him design unique sounds and harmonies. Sometimes, hiring musicians for a project just to reject their work later is not practical. Rahman mentioned that the producers he works with can confirm how many musicians he’s collaborated with during his career.
Abhijeet had previously shared a negative memory from his only professional collaboration with Rahman for the song “Ae Nazneen Suno Na” from the 1999 movie Dil Hi Dil Mein. Abhijeet expressed his disappointment over how renowned artists were treated during the recording session. He explained that artists who had received high honors like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan were kept waiting for hours without meeting Rahman.
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Abhijeet described how, during the session, many respected artists were left waiting in Rahman’s studio for long periods. “I saw Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees sitting downstairs on a bench. Rahman sir didn’t come down for two or three hours,” he said.
Abhijeet also recalled his own experience, where he simply recorded his part and left. “I recorded the song and left. His assistant handled the session,” he added.
In his reply, Rahman emphasized that he values musicians and technology is just another tool to create music.
