AR Rahman recently opened up about a noticeable slowdown in his Hindi film projects over the past eight years, while emphasising that the last six years have been among the most demanding and creatively fulfilling periods of his career. In a candid interview, the composer revealed that between 2019 and 2025, he worked on nearly 20 to 30 films, a conscious move to reassert himself and connect with a younger generation of listeners.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Rahman reflected on how audiences often approach his music through a lens of nostalgia. He shared that people from different generations tend to associate him with the soundtracks of their formative years, particularly from the 1990s. While the appreciation is heartfelt, he admitted that constant comparisons to his earlier work can be mentally draining and even affect creative confidence, especially when it suggests that his current music does not measure up.

To counter this perception, Rahman deliberately immersed himself in continuous projects. He explained that by consistently delivering new work, recent compositions have begun to stand on their own merit, with filmmakers now referencing his output from the past few years rather than only his classic scores. This, he said, was a planned effort to ensure his music resonates with the next generation as well.

The composer also spoke about the importance of reinvention and letting go of familiar creative patterns. He stressed that growth comes from evolving alongside listeners and being open to change, even if it means abandoning certain formulas. According to Rahman, the focus should be on creating music that excites him in the present, rather than clinging to a signature style from the past. Failure, he added, is part of the process and not something to fear.

Elaborating on his mindset, Rahman shared that personal motivation now matters more to him than past accolades. While he values the recognition he has received, he believes relying too heavily on achievements such as his two Academy Awards can become a creative burden. For him, rebuilding self-belief and treating each phase as a fresh beginning is essential. He described 2026 as a reset, a renewed journey driven by curiosity, confidence, and the desire to create something meaningful once again.

Source / Image Credit : Times of India