AR Rahman shares how Ashutosh Gowariker persuaded him to give 'Khwaja' song for Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai's Jodhaa Akbar: 'I originally made it for myself'

AR Rahman is a celebrated music composer, singer, and philanthropist. He mainly works in Tamil and Hindi films and has won several major awards, including 6 National Film Awards, 2 Oscars, 2 Grammys, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.
In 2010, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Rahman shared that Khwaja Mere Khwaja was a song he created for himself and opened up about how it eventually became part of Jodhaa Akbar.
The Story Behind 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja'
When asked if he ever gave away a personal composition, AR Rahman shared that Khwaja Mere Khwaja was originally made just for himself. Director Ashutosh Gowariker approached him, saying he needed a song about Khwaja Sahib for a scene where Akbar visits Ajmer. Rahman was surprised Ashutosh even knew about the song.

He told him, “I’ve made a song—but you can’t change anything.” After hearing it, Ashutosh insisted on using it in the film. That’s how the soulful track became part of Jodhaa Akbar, even though it was something Rahman had created for his own spiritual connection.

A Soulful Gem in Indian Cinema
The devotional song Khwaja Mere Khwaja from the historical film Jodhaa Akbar is a soulful masterpiece composed and sung by AR Rahman. With its serene melody and spiritual depth, the Sufi track touches hearts beyond religious lines. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.