Ram Gopal Varma on Rahman: From Doubts to Awe Over Rangeela’s Iconic Music

Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) recently shared his first impressions of A.R. Rahman’s music in Rangeela, the film that redefined Bollywood filmmaking and set a new trend in music. Rahman later achieved international fame and even won Oscars, but his early collaboration with Varma began with doubts and surprises.

First Impression of Rahman’s Tunes

RGV explained that he wanted an intense and sensual track for Haaye Rama Yeh Kya Hua. He used Kaate Nahi Katte from Mr. India as a reference when he briefed Rahman. However, when Rahman presented his composition, Varma felt shocked. He thought it sounded more like a classical Carnatic raga than an erotic song.

Varma confronted Rahman directly and asked how such a tune could fit the mood he wanted. Rahman calmly told him that Indian music always built itself on ragas connected to emotions. He said he wanted to keep music rooted in culture instead of relying on cheap lyrics or forced sensuality.

The Slow Magic of Rahman’s Music

At first, Varma rejected the idea. But as he kept replaying the CD, the melody started to grow on him. He soon caught himself humming it and even visualizing the way he would shoot the song.

Rahman recalled how he confidently watched this change happen in the studio. He said he knew the tune would work. Eventually, Varma admitted that the final production blew him away. He said he never imagined such a tune could shine so powerfully in that format.

The Spirit of Rangeela: From Rejection to Obsession

RGV also remembered his doubts about Spirit of Rangeela. When he played it for his cousin, the cousin immediately called it “horrible.” His driver also dismissed it as “very bad music.” These reactions confused Varma and left him disheartened.

But then something unexpected happened. When he played the song at a shoot location, the entire crew started singing it by lunchtime. He described this as the “slow poison” of Rahman’s music, listeners might find it strange at first, but it lingers in the mind until they love it.

Rahman’s Unique Legacy in Bollywood

Reflecting on Rahman’s style, RGV noted that people often reject his songs at first because they don’t sound like the “hit songs” they expect. But once they keep listening, Rahman’s music hooks them. He pointed out that Rahman’s strength lies in creating unexpected, culturally rooted, and timeless music that grows on listeners in ways they cannot logically explain.

RGV concluded that Rangeela stands as one of the greatest examples of this magic, where his doubts turned into admiration, and Rahman’s genius transformed Bollywood music forever.

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