Gulzar says Lata Mangeshkar felt lonely in AR Rahman’s studio while recording ‘Jiya Jale’: ‘Rahman didn’t understand Hindi that well’

AR Rahman, the Oscar and Grammy-winning musician, has cemented his legacy globally. Those who’ve worked with him keep revealing new layers to his genius through lesser-known anecdotes from the singer’s past. In a recent conversation, legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar opened up about Rahman’s unconventional approach to music-making—one marked by solitude and self-sufficiency.
Speaking to O2India, Gulzar called Rahman a one-man army in the recording studio. “Most of the time, he would be the only person in the entire studio. He would be sitting with the huge recorder alone and would also do things on his own. He is an expert at it. He might, sometimes, have an assistant to help with plugging in the wires. I had never seen a recording being done like this before. It’s very lonely,” Gulzar recalled.
Gulzar shared a memorable incident involving the iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar, who felt out of place during her first recording with Rahman for the song “Jiya Jale” in Dil Se (1998). The composition, penned by Gulzar and directed by Mani Ratnam, featured Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala.

It was Lata’s first collaboration with Rahman. Gulzar explained that in his studio, the singer would not be visible from where Rahman was recording. “Usually, we stand right in front of the singer (in another room adjacent to the recording booth), giving instructions through gestures. Back then, unlike now, Rahman did not understand Hindi that well either. After some time, Lata ji asked me in Hindi, ‘I can’t see anyone in front of me; who am I singing for? I feel very awkward because there’s absolutely no contact (with anyone).’ You cannot sing or even recite a poem alone,” he said.
Gulzar said he resolved the issue by sitting on a stool where Lata Mangeshkar could see him, which helped her feel more comfortable and complete the recording. 'Dil Se’s soundtrack became a cultural milestone in Indian cinema, with “Jiya Jale” remaining one of its most iconic tracks.
AR Rahman’s unique way of making music shows his creative genius and his dedication to getting the perfect sound. His habit of working alone in the studio has become a key part of his process, allowing him to fully focus without any distractions. This ability to work independently has been important in creating some of the most memorable music in Indian films.
The making of Dil Se's soundtrack is a great example of Rahman’s unusual but brilliant approach. The album, which includes the famous song "Jiya Jale," became an instant classic. Even though Lata Mangeshkar felt awkward during her first session with Rahman, her ability to adjust to his working style shows how he is able to push boundaries to create the best music possible.
Dil se was directed by Mani Ratnam and continues to be one of Rahman's best work. Even in silence, Rahman makes music speak. His melodies echo long after the last note fades. Moments like Lata ji’s first session with Rahman show how even legends can feel unsettled in new creative spaces.