‘I am Muslim…’: AR Rahman explains why he worked on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, responds to trolls

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has addressed questions surrounding faith and identity after announcing his involvement in filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana. Responding to criticism and online trolling, Rahman emphasised that art, knowledge, and storytelling transcend religious boundaries, and should be approached with openness rather than prejudice.

Rahman, who is collaborating with two-time Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer on the ambitious project, said that his connection with Indian epics dates back to his childhood and is rooted in cultural familiarity rather than religious labels.

“Art cannot be confined by religion”

Speaking in a recent conversation on the BBC Asian YouTube channel, Rahman reflected on his early exposure to Indian mythology and literature.

“I studied in a Brahmin school, and every year we had Ramayana and Mahabharata, so I know the story,” he said.

The composer highlighted that the core of the Ramayana lies in its moral values and universal ideals, not in religious exclusivity.

“The story is about how virtuous and high-principled a person is. People can debate, but I value all the good things—any good thing that you can learn,” Rahman added.

He also referenced teachings across religions that encourage seeking knowledge regardless of its source, reinforcing his belief that wisdom is universal.

‘I am Muslim, Ramayana is Hindu—but art unites us’

Addressing the controversy more directly, Rahman urged society to rise above narrow-minded thinking.

“I think we need to rise above narrow-mindedness and selfishness. When we rise above, we shine—and that is very important,” he said.
“Hans Zimmer is Jewish, I am Muslim, and Ramayana is Hindu. It is coming from India to the whole world with love.”

His statement has been widely praised for underlining India’s pluralistic cultural tradition, where artists from diverse backgrounds have long contributed to stories rooted in different faiths.

AR Rahman’s background and early life

Rahman was born in Chennai (then Madras) into a Hindu family and was originally named Dileep Kumar Rajagopala. He converted to Islam in 1989 and adopted the name AR Rahman. Despite the change in religious identity, the composer has often spoken about how Indian classical traditions, spiritual philosophies, and diverse cultural influences shaped his musical journey.

Over the decades, Rahman has composed music for films across languages, cultures, and belief systems—often blending spiritual themes with contemporary soundscapes.

About Ramayana: cast, scale, and release

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is one of the most ambitious Indian film projects ever undertaken.

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama
• Sai Pallavi as Sita
• Yash as Ravana
• Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman
• Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana
• Arun Govil as King Dasharatha
• Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha

The film is planned as a two-part cinematic epic, with:

• Part 1 releasing on Diwali 2026
• Part 2 releasing on Diwali 2027

Reportedly made on a staggering budget of over ₹4,000 crore, the project aims to present the ancient epic with cutting-edge visual effects and a globally appealing musical score.

Why Rahman’s involvement matters

Rahman’s collaboration with Hans Zimmer marks a rare East–West musical partnership for an Indian mythological film, positioning Ramayana as a project with international reach. His comments have reignited conversations about artistic freedom, inclusivity, and the dangers of reducing creativity to religious identity.

By choosing to participate in Ramayana, Rahman reiterates a long-held belief:
stories belong to humanity, not to any single faith.