Everyday is about choices, and in my case, these choices involve the public. They have the right to express their delight and their discontent. I give every song my best, but destiny, that vibration of fate, sometimes fails me. Still, I a m a believer in the Almighty and I leave it to Him to carry me along.

A.R. Rahman, Hindustan Times, 26 Jan. 2010.

If you understand the essence of religion, it’s about love. Though it’s a cliché, it’s the truth, and it’s what I’m trying to do with my music.

A.R. Rahman (Here & Now, Sept. 2010)

In life, the journey is what’s interesting. Everyone has their struggles. Each person gets led into a path. We had some trouble and we got redemption through this path (of religion). Religion is a personal thing and I think people respect that.

A.R. Rahman (June 7, 2007, The Star)

In my opinion, everybody has the same soul from God and we are united by that. Outside, our bodies are different, our faces are different, but inside we are all the same, we share the same feelings of sadness, love, pain… My music comes out of these feelings. Whether it is Japanese music, African, Qawalli, or any other form of music, if it touches your heart it becomes important for me.

The Journey Home Concert Interview for Darshan TV, June 2010

What appealed to me about Islam was that this is a religion based on unconditional love and a belief in one god and one love. I was especially drawn to Sufism which has a rich musical tradition. Why is the Azan [the call to prayer] in tune? Why is it musical? Islam has been hijacked by extremists, and what drives me in my own work is to create music that will bring people together.

Interviewed by The Guardian, April 2010

Be original and find your inner voice. The rest will follow.

A.R. Rahman (Press Trust of India, Oct 13, 2009)

My journey as a musician started at the age of nine and I see music as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it. Music touches people and breaks down barriers, creating harmony in troubled times. This has always been my philosophy.

A.R. Rahman (July 17, 2009, The Statesman)

No regrets. There is no time for that. Regret is boring.

A.R. Rahman on Lajjo’s shelving ( OneIndia, Dec 4, 2008)

In these hard times, music is really an uplifting shrine where all communities can come together. There’s so much turmoil happening in life whether it’s religious, political or racial. Music is all about love. It’s a unifying force.

A.R. Rahman (June 7, 2007, The Star)

To make music, you must have a stable mind, and to have a stable mind, you need practice, you need a way of life.

Interview by Matthew Islam, March 2005

Music is not just entertainment. Music is a remedy.

A.R. Rahman (March 24, 2004 The Hindu)

I am trying my best to combine traditional and contemporary styles. But sometimes the result isn’t in my hands at all. It depends on the film and the director. Trends come and go but I have to keep doing my own thing. You have to learn from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is only teacher and that is your soul.

Citation pending.

My music comes from somewhere deep within me. I am a within man more than without. It is the language of the heart and the soul together that makes my music.

Citation pending.