India… The people make it work again and again. Everything comes together in the last minute. What a great feeling being a part of it (Commonwealth Games 2010 Opening Ceremony). When I was with folk, classical dancers and musicians in the waiting passage that led the artists to the stage, it felt like I was in a mini Noah’s Ark containing all of India’s arts and culture. True bliss watching it and being a part of the performance. Thank you.
A.R. Rahman after the Commonwealth Games 2010 Opening Ceremony
It is important to play music that will be accepted by an international audience but which retains an essential Indian quality.
Interviewed by The Guardian for his London Concert. April 2010.
The burden of expectations has always been upon me, whether at the regional, national or international front. For me, everybody are important.
Times of India, May 2009
I feel at home with my food and my people.
Star Plus Interview (‘Is Duniya Ke Sitaare.’), Feb. 2, 2004
When I did my first film, Roja, my main intention was that the music should go beyond the walls of India and should be heard all over. Indian culture should be accessible to everyone, even for young people.
India Abroad News, July 2000
I hate the discrimination between South and North India, Tamil and Hindi. If I represent India, that is good enough for me.
The Week, April 2000
The primary objective of Vande Mataram (the album) is to inspire a feeling for the country. And the sentiments so aroused go beyond caste, creed and colour. The feelings which inspired the album come from the heart. If people look beyond religion and caste barriers, and think only of the country, that’s enough. I personally think Vande Mataram is an ongoing movement, and people will feel good about it for the next 50 years.
Vande Mataram Album launch, 1998
I owe my success to Mani Ratnam’s Roja. He had asked me to create music that would appeal to the nation, which is exactly what I did. And it worked.
Rediff, 1998
