Considered one of the most influential Indian filmmakers of the modern era, Ram Gopal Varma made his mark by creating groundbreaking films and introducing new talent, including actors and technicians who have become icons of the industry. Among his many contributions to Bollywood, his introduction to composer AR Rahman stands out. Rahman’s entry into Bollywood came with Ram Gopal Varma’s (commonly referred to by his initials RGV) 1995 romantic comedy. Rangeelawhich quickly became a critical and commercial hit. Rahman’s song topped the charts and won millions and the album remains one of his best-loved works.
While all the songs in Rangeela were hits, did you know that RGV was initially unimpressed with the song “Hai Rama”? Yes, you read that right! When he first heard it, RGV even wondered if Rahman had sent him the wrong song by mistake or if the composer was mad. “I wanted a sensual number. I wanted something like ‘Kate Nahin Kat Te’ from it Mr. India (1987). After I explained (to Rahman) how I wanted to shoot it, he came up with this song [hums ‘Hai Rama’] and I thought he was going crazy. I thought he made a mistake and sent me something else, a classical Carnatic raga or whatever. I said, ‘Rahman, I told you about a sensual song and you sent me something else.’ He said, ‘no, this is for the same situation.’ I didn’t understand,” said RGV while talking to him O2india once.
Read Also | Aamir Khan-Karsma Kapoor’s kiss Raja Hindustani was shot over three days, with his mother Babita present
Rahman, speaking in the same interview, explained his approach: “If you look at the roots of our culture or the history of the past or even Hindu mythology or ancient music, there was always talk of raga. There is a raga for each emotion and that is the basis and foundation of our music. If that gets lost and you make a song just for the sake of it with funny lyrics, it’s just too bad and unhealthy for me. So, I was trying to find a way to make this interesting and rooted in our culture.”
However, with time, RGV started to appreciate this song. “Because this CD (with music) I always played it once. Suddenly, at some point, it just stuck in my head and I said, ‘Rahman, maybe it will work,'” said the filmmaker, Rahman added, “Somewhere, I was very sure that it would work. While we were producing the song, I could just see him (RGV) getting every little scene and he was shot. He has been going to the studio, restless.” The filmmaker said that when Rahman finished the orchestra, he was blown away. The song is sung by Hariharan and Swarnalatha.
Watch ‘Hai Rama’ song from RGV and AR Rahman’s Rangeela here:
Starring Urmila Matondkar, Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff in the lead roles, the film was a turning point in the careers of all involved, including the cast and Rahman’s music played a major role in this.
“What Rahman’s music does is leave you with no choice but to think differently. From the music producer to the director, this applies to all and the actors have to adapt their interpretation accordingly. I remember Aamir telling me, ‘this is the first time, I am hearing an endless song.’ And using Rahman’s voice for Aamir in the song ‘Mangta Hai Kya’ was painful because Aamir felt that people might laugh as they used to hear Udit Narayan (singing for the actor). Rahman has completely destroyed the aspect of a regular singer like SP Balasubrahmanyam or KS Chithra who sings by finding anyone because each person makes a song sound different,” said RGV, adding that such unusual ways of the composer forced everyone involved to deliver their A game.
Click for more updates and latest Bollywood news and Entertainment updates. And get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world on The Indian Express.