Music maestro AR Rahman has shared an interesting story about an opportunity he missed to work with legendary Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer more than a decade ago. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Rahman revealed that Zimmer had invited him to collaborate around 14–15 years ago, shortly after Rahman achieved international recognition for his work on Slumdog Millionaire.
However, the Indian composer did not accept the offer at the time because he was taking a break from professional commitments.
Recalling the moment, Rahman said, “He had actually invited me to work together 14–15 years ago, right after the Oscar (he won for Slumdog), but back then I was in chill-out mode.”
The revelation offers a glimpse into how the composers’ long-awaited partnership could have begun much earlier. Their collaboration has now become one of the notable musical aspects of the upcoming film Ramayana.
From Slumdog Millionaire’s Oscars to a Global Collaboration
AR Rahman achieved a major career milestone in 2009 when he won two Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire—Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Jai Ho,” which he shared with lyricist Gulzar.
The recognition brought his music to a wider international audience and strengthened his position as one of India’s most prominent composers on the global stage.
Hans Zimmer, meanwhile, is known for composing music for major Hollywood productions, including The Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, Interstellar and Dune. His distinctive orchestral arrangements and dramatic soundscapes have made him one of the most recognised film composers internationally.
Although their professional paths crossed in the years following Rahman’s Oscar success, the two did not begin a joint project then. Their current collaboration has therefore taken on added significance for fans of both composers.
Why AR Rahman Usually Prefers Working Alone
Rahman also explained why collaborating with another composer is not something he does frequently. He generally prefers working independently, allowing him to develop his musical ideas without having to coordinate every creative decision with another artist.
Speaking about Zimmer’s involvement in Ramayana, Rahman said that he usually prefers solo work because he does not want to interfere excessively with another composer’s creative process.
He described Zimmer joining the project as a blessing and suggested that the partnership could help the film reach audiences beyond India.
According to Rahman, international viewers who recognise Zimmer’s name may be more inclined to explore an Indian film featuring his music. He specifically mentioned audiences in places such as New Zealand and Europe, explaining that the collaboration could encourage viewers unfamiliar with Indian cinema to take an interest in the project.
Ramayana Brings Two Musical Legends Together
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana brings together Rahman and Zimmer to create the musical world of one of India’s best-known epics.
The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
The project is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation, with the first instalment scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. The second part is expected to arrive around Diwali 2027.
The collaboration combines Rahman’s experience in Indian film music with Zimmer’s background in large-scale international film scores. Their different musical approaches could give the epic a distinctive sound, although the final impact will ultimately depend on how the score works within the film.
AR Rahman Responds to Reactions to Ramayana’s Music
Rahman has also addressed the mixed reactions to songs released from Ramayana. Some tracks have attracted criticism online, while other listeners have praised their musical arrangements and creative choices.
The composer said that the extensive process of developing and refining music leaves him with little energy to monitor audience feedback. He explained that his focus remains on completing the work sincerely rather than constantly checking social media reactions.
Rahman added that his son sometimes tells him about changing online responses, including instances where people who initially criticised a song later express appreciation.
His comments underline the challenges of creating music for a project with enormous expectations and a story familiar to millions of people.
A Collaboration That Finally Comes to Life
The story of Rahman declining Zimmer’s invitation years ago adds an unexpected chapter to their professional relationship. What did not happen shortly after the Slumdog Millionaire Oscars has now become possible through Ramayana.
For Rahman, the project represents an opportunity to work with a composer he has long known while approaching an epic narrative on an unprecedented scale. For Zimmer, it offers a chance to contribute to a story rooted in Indian cultural tradition and known across generations.
As audiences await Ramayana, the collaboration between the two composers has emerged as one of the film’s most closely watched creative elements.
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