A.R. Rahman’s daughter Khatija has revealed that she is not totally influenced by her father’s style.
The 28-year-old, who made her debut as a music director with the Tamil film Minmini which hit the screens on Aug 9, believes in rich orchestration for her songs. But she also listens to a lot of international soundtracks.
“I have listened to a lot of his songs, watched his films and noted the background score and compositions,” she told the Hindustan Times. “But I also listen to a lot of international soundtracks and music from Hollywood. I am going for music classes even now – my teacher is in the US and she is a composer herself.”
Already an established vocalist, Khatija made her debut as a singer with the song “Puthiya Manidha”, composed by her father, for director S. Shankar’s Rajinikanth-starrer Enthiran (2010).
Her family is deeply rooted in music and the performing arts: Brother A.R. Ameen is a playback singer, cousin G.V. Prakash Kumar a composer and actor, aunt Reihana a playback singer and composer, and relative Rashin Rahman an actor. Her grandfather and Rahman’s father R.K. Shekhar was also a music composer who worked primarily in Malayalam cinema.
Khatija told the Hindustan Times that her father’s advice was to listen to a lot of world music.
“He told me to look at other cultures and not to follow trends as trends are short-lived,” she said. “He also told me that I have to understand and follow the director’s vision.”
She added that her father doesn’t interfere with her creative processes, but he’s always available if she needs advice or support. “He came for the premiere of Minmini and, after the film, shook my hand and said ‘good job’.
There are critics who say her opportunities stem from her famous last name. Khatija acknowledged that such perceptions are natural.
“There is nothing wrong if anyone says this because that’s the first thing people will notice about me,” she said. “But now that Minmini has been released, people have genuinely appreciated my work. They realise I am hardworking. They all know I am not taking it lightly and that’s my goal.”
Rahman told India Today that Khatija’s work in Minmini was “very good”.
“I’m not telling this because I’m her father. She has set a standard,” he said.
“Whatever news about Khatija comes, a million people will be taunting her. She has answered them all with her work. I’m very proud of her.”
