AR Rahman says he prioritises work over friendships

Renowned composer AR Rahman has spoken candidly about his challenges in maintaining friendships, explaining that his deep dedication to music often takes precedence over social relationships.

In a recent interview with News18, Rahman shared that while he does have friends, he finds himself consistently absorbed in perfecting his musical work. “Even when I have plenty of time, I delve deeper into my compositions. If creating a song takes eight hours, I don’t stop there—I push further,” he said. “My approach is: more time leads to better output and greater satisfaction. I don’t cut down on work to make space for more friendships.”

Describing his creative process, Rahman said it feels like a form of "intoxication." He constantly seeks improvement and innovation in his music. “I keep thinking I can do better and explore new possibilities. In this pursuit, 30 years have flown by,” he added.

Despite the limited communication with peers, Rahman expressed appreciation for the support he received during a recent health scare. When he was hospitalised in Chennai last month, many of his colleagues reached out. “I truly care about my friends. When they heard I was in the hospital, so many singers and directors messaged me. I was touched and made sure to thank them,” he said.

On the professional front, Rahman has composed the music for Thug Life, Mani Ratnam’s upcoming film starring Kamal Haasan. The film is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025, reports UNB.