‘We Had to Unlearn Some Things for Ramayana’: AR Rahman on Collaborating With Hans Zimmer for Nitesh Tiwari’s Film
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has opened up about his unique creative journey while working on Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious film Ramayana, revealing that the project required him to rethink and “unlearn” familiar musical approaches. Rahman’s collaboration with global music icon Hans Zimmer marks a rare and exciting fusion of Eastern and Western musical sensibilities for one of Indian cinema’s most culturally significant stories.
Speaking about the experience, Rahman described the process as both challenging and deeply enriching. He explained that Ramayana demanded a fresh sonic language that could honour the epic’s spiritual depth while also appealing to a global audience. “We had to unlearn some things,” Rahman said, noting that the scale and intent of the film pushed him beyond established patterns and comfort zones.
Reimagining a Timeless Epic
Adapting Ramayana for the big screen comes with immense responsibility. The story carries deep emotional, cultural and philosophical meaning for millions, and Rahman acknowledged that the music needed to reflect that gravity without becoming predictable or overly reverential.
Rather than relying on traditional motifs alone, Rahman and his team explored new textures and arrangements that could feel timeless yet contemporary. The aim was to let the music serve the narrative organically rather than dictate emotion through familiar cues.
This approach required stripping away habits built over decades of composing. Rahman said the process involved questioning instincts and re-evaluating how music supports mythological storytelling in modern cinema.
Working With Hans Zimmer
Collaborating with Hans Zimmer brought a different creative energy into the project. Known for his powerful cinematic scores, Zimmer’s approach to sound design and orchestration complemented Rahman’s melodic sensibility in unexpected ways.
Rahman shared that their discussions went beyond melodies and themes, focusing instead on atmosphere, silence and emotional restraint. The two composers worked closely to find a balance where neither tradition overshadowed the other.
The collaboration was not about merging styles mechanically but about discovering a shared emotional language. This exchange of ideas helped shape a score that feels expansive while remaining rooted in the soul of the story.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Vision
Director Nitesh Tiwari played a key role in shaping the musical direction. Known for his grounded storytelling, Tiwari encouraged the composers to move away from spectacle-driven scoring and focus on emotional truth.
Rahman noted that Tiwari’s clarity of vision allowed the music to evolve naturally. Instead of dictating musical choices, the director fostered an environment where experimentation was encouraged and creative risks were welcomed.
This collaborative atmosphere proved essential for a project of such scale and sensitivity.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
One of the biggest challenges was respecting the cultural legacy of Ramayana while presenting it in a form that resonates with contemporary audiences. Rahman believes that innovation is necessary to keep ancient stories alive.
By unlearning familiar patterns, the team was able to approach the epic with fresh eyes. The result, according to Rahman, is music that feels spiritual without being rigid and grand without losing emotional intimacy.
A Global Sound for a Universal Story
With Hans Zimmer’s global influence and Rahman’s deep-rooted connection to Indian musical traditions, Ramayana is shaping up to have a truly international soundscape. The music aims to transcend language and geography, reflecting the universal themes of duty, love and sacrifice at the heart of the epic.
As anticipation builds around the film, Rahman’s insights offer a glimpse into the careful thought and creative courage behind its music. If his words are any indication, Ramayana promises not just a visual spectacle but a deeply immersive musical experience that redefines how epic stories are told on screen.
