HT Exclusive | AR Rahman says he was terrified of live performances, agrees that Roja was his 'peak'

AR Rahman has opened up about the anxiety he experienced during live performances, saying he once felt intensely frightened whenever he took the stage. The composer now says that years of performing have helped him become more comfortable.

From fear to familiarity

Rahman traced the change to his first performance in Malaysia in 1996. Around three decades later, he is involved in projects ranging from performances with symphony orchestras in the United States to Wonderment, described as a large entertainment extravaganza.

He said his music initially presented a particular challenge in a live setting because it was difficult for musicians to interpret on stage. Recreating the work required time, careful choices and performers who could contribute to the arrangements without undermining what had been created in the studio.

That process appears to have shaped Rahman’s approach to concerts. With more experience and the right musicians around him, he now feels better prepared to translate his compositions for live audiences.

A changing performance journey

Rahman’s comments highlight the difference between creating music and presenting it in front of an audience. The transition can require new arrangements, collaboration and trust in the musicians performing the material.

He also agreed that Roja represented the peak of his musical journey, according to the interview’s discussion. His reflections place that recognition alongside a broader account of how his relationship with live performance has evolved.

For Rahman, the stage is no longer defined by the fear he once associated with it. It has become a setting where complex compositions can be reinterpreted through orchestral performances and large-scale productions.