Rajiv Menon opens up about AR Rahman's conversion to Islam and facing a lot of pressure from family: 'They didn’t know Hindi, I became the translator'

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and director-cinematographer Rajiv Menon share a longstanding bond, built on years of collaboration. Recalling their early days, Rajiv reminisced about working with a young Dileep Kumar (Rahman’s birth name) in advertisements.
In a recent interview with O2 India, Rajiv shared insights into their journey, which began long before Rahman’s breakthrough with 'Roja'. “He was very shy, and he was a man of few words. Now, he writes long emails, gives numerous interviews, and is very well-spoken,” Rajiv stated.

Read more: AR Rahman converted to Islam and changed his name from Dileep Kumar: 'A Hindu astrologer gave me Muslim name'
According to Rajiv, Rahman’s drive stemmed from his deep devotion to his mother, which also inspired his dream of creating a world-class institution for teaching Western classical music in India. “I’m sure her loss is deeply affecting Rahman,” Rajiv reflected. He emphasised Rahman’s unparalleled contribution to Western music in India, noting that his music school operates with a higher purpose than just profitability. He also commended Rahman for experimenting extensively with VR and for taking on offbeat stories as a film producer.

Rajiv further added that from being a young boy playing with a few keyboards, Rahman has grown into an institution and an icon. He attributed Rahman’s success to his humility, honesty, and deep spiritual connection to music.
Rajiv also recounted Rahman’s personal journey of embracing Islam, revealing his role as a translator when fakirs from Gulbarga visited Rahman’s home to guide the family’s conversion. “There was a time they didn’t know Hindi, so I became the translator. I have witnessed this period of transition and gravitation towards religion and faith. I have seen Rahman deal with immense pressure from within the family, especially regarding his sisters' marriages. It was music that helped him brave the storm,” he shared.
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Rajiv shared that music was Rahman’s comfort during difficult times, helping him find peace through his faith. His journey into Sufism strengthened his love for Hindustani music and Qawwalis, which added more depth to his compositions. While many South Indian composers had little exposure to North Indian ragas, Rahman’s ability to blend different styles made him stand out in Bollywood. His understanding of various musical traditions helped him create fresh and unique sounds. Through his deep connection with music and spirituality, Rahman brought something special to Indian cinema, making his work different from others and earning him worldwide fame.
Rahman was in the news recently after he was admitted to a hospital on Sunday due to dehydration. He was discharged some hours later after doctors gave him a clean bill of health. The music director's sister, earlier refuted reports that Rahman was hospitalised after he complained of chest pain. "Nothing happened. He had dehydration and gastric problems," Reihana told PTI Videos.