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A.R. Rahman in Dubai for Sufi concert

A.R. Rahman tells us what keeps him humble and why he loves performing in Dubai

This weekend Dubai is all set to get into the Sufi mood. The philosophy and teachings of Sufi can be found in many of A R Rahman’s number like Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Maula Maula, Kun Faaya Kun and many more.

With two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and four National Film Awards to his credit, A. R. Rahman is a man who needs no introduction. He will be performing his first Sufi concert in Dubai tonight with his Sufi choir at the Dubai World Trade Center. We spoke to the maestro who is also a man of few words.

When asked how he manages to stay so humble in spite of being one of the most celebrated musicians ever, his response? “I don’t know. Maybe its because I am from the South of India...”

You have had several compositions in your musical career, which drew inspiration from the Sufi genre. How does Sufi music inspire you in life?

I am very inspired by many of the Sufi saints for their purity and unconditional love, not for one community alone, but, like the rainfall, like the sky, for everyone and that philosophy has enriched me to follow their teaching. I write those songs on them. Their teaching affirms the oneness of God and glorifies the presence of God in all of us. This connect and the love of people has enabled me to embark on a new journey, moving away from my routine of romantic and dance-oriented compositions, and perform for Dubai, the Sufi songs that I have composed for films and a few covers of the masters of Qawwali. I’m really looking forward to my first Sufi concert in Dubai.

Sufi is almost a form of meditation. With the crowd of around 5000 people, how difficult or easy will it be to maintain that magic?

I think I am going to talk in between. We will try to find a new set of mental status for all of us, so we could enjoy the concert together. Because most of them, when they get excited they start clapping; if they like some particular tune they want to appreciate by clapping. I will make it a point to tell them to clap when the song ends. I am so happy and very moved that the Dubai audiences have supported the concert so much and the ticket sales have gone so well.

What was your first thought when you heard of this Sufi concert?

Actually, Quincy Jones has this festival in Dubai every year, so this time he invited me but that thing got postponed. So we had planned something like this for the first time. Of course this promoter came in and then this festival happened.

Could you tell us some of the songs that you would be singing?

Hasbi Rabbi Jalallah, Khwajaji, Haji Ali, Kun Faya Kun, Hira and many more.

Today’s generation seems to be taken in by fast paced Bollywood numbers. How do you make sure that the Sufi music that you perform appeals to them?

I think Sufi numbers are even more intoxicating than the Bollywood numbers that we hear these days. They have a special aura.

What makes you happy in life?

When I finish my prayers, I am the happiest. I feel like I am born again. Everyday that’s a very meditative thing for me.

Will you be around to attend Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s show the next day?

They are amazing musicians in their own ways and I wish them best of luck but I will be travelling after my show.

Alia Bhatt recently sung for you for the film Highway. What do you think about this growing trend of actors singing songs in films?

Movies started like that; earlier singers were actors and now its all coming back. I think it’s a very good trend. Of course somebody has to have a check, so no one spoils the quality.