A.R. Rahman Calls Oscars a "Burden," Says He Did 30 Films in 6 Years

A.R. Rahman, the globally acclaimed music composer and double Oscar winner, has recently opened up about the unexpected pressures that accompanied his Academy Award victories, describing them as a "burden" and revealing a period of intense creative output in response. In a candid interview, Rahman shared that constant comparisons to his past work, particularly from his 90s era, led to a sense of "gaslighting" that fueled his decision to compose for an astounding 20 to 30 films between 2019 and 2025.

The Weight of Gold: Oscars as a 'Burden'

Rahman, who won two Oscars for his work on "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2009 (Best Original Score and Best Original Song), confessed that these prestigious awards, while a monumental achievement, paradoxically created an immense pressure to continually prove himself. "Two Oscars can become a burden," he stated, articulating how the recognition, instead of providing comfort, intensified his drive. This sentiment was echoed in various reports, highlighting how the artist felt a constant need to reassert his creative relevance. news18.com

The 'Gaslighting' Effect: Battling Nostalgia

A significant factor contributing to Rahman’s self-doubt, he explained, was the prevalent nostalgia surrounding his earlier works. He described a phenomenon where people, particularly from the 90s generation, would praise his classic compositions like "Roja" (1992) in a way that inadvertently suggested his current work wasn't as good. "They come and gaslight you. They say, 'In the '90s, you did Roja. That's very good music, sir!' That feels like now, you’re not doing good music, right? It actually harms your thinking if you’re not in your best mood," Rahman revealed. This constant harkening back to past glories, he felt, subtly undermined his confidence and creative momentum. hindustantimes.com

A 'Rampage' of Work: Defying Expectations

Rather than succumbing to this "gaslighting" and allowing his past achievements to drain his motivation, Rahman consciously decided to embark on a “rampage” of work. Between 2019 and 2025, he immersed himself in approximately 20 to 30 film projects, composing relentlessly and taking on film after film. This prolific period was a deliberate strategy to demonstrate his continued growth and relevance to a new generation of listeners and filmmakers. He aimed to "flood the present with work," as one report put it, to shift the perception from his legacy to his contemporary output. newsbytesapp.com

Reclaiming Confidence Through Creation

This intense period of productivity proved to be a successful endeavor for Rahman. He noticed a shift in how directors approached him, with many now referencing his recent compositions, such as his work for Mani Ratnam's "Thug Life," rather than only his older material. This change in discourse has helped him regain his self-esteem and confidence. He stated that his focus is now on his future endeavors, believing that "What I'm doing next is going to be the best thing. Not rely on the past, and be like, 'Oh, I've won 2 Oscars.' That thought drains you. You're not motivated to do anything, It can be a burden. It’s not in my Twitter or Instagram bio, no Oscar, no Grammy, nothing. It’s a fresh start, 2026.” This signifies his commitment to continuous evolution and a forward-looking artistic vision. news24online.com

A Fresh Start for 2026 and Beyond

Rahman's declaration of a "fresh start" for 2026 highlights his unwavering dedication to his craft and his desire to constantly innovate. He is set to co-compose the score and songs for Nitesh Tiwari's "Ramayana" and will reunite with frequent collaborators Imtiaz Ali and Mani Ratnam on their upcoming projects. His story serves as a profound reminder that even the highest accolades can come with their own set of challenges, and true artistic satisfaction often lies in the continuous pursuit of creation and self-reinvention, rather than resting on past laurels. His ability to channel perceived negativity into an outpouring of new music underscores his resilience and enduring relevance in the global music landscape. wionews.com