"not just catering to your carnal needs like violence and sex"
At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, AR Rahman made his first appearance since his split from his wife.
The iconic composer shared his thoughts on the role of music in people’s lives, saying that instead of catering to one’s carnal needs, one can engage in music to heal oneself.
Rahman said: “Now we all have mental health issues, depression. Because I think there is a void in all of us.
“That void can be filled by storytellers, by philosophy, by entertaining in a way where you don’t even know that you are taking medicine, by not just catering to your carnal needs like violence and sex and all that stuff.
“There’s much more than all that stuff.”
The conversation turned more personal as Rahman spoke about his own experiences with mental health.
Recalling moments when he faced suicidal thoughts, Rahman shared the invaluable advice his mother gave him:
“When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts.
“When you live for others and not for yourself, life becomes meaningful.”
He highlighted the unpredictability of the future, suggesting that life has the potential to surprise us, even when we feel lost.
Rahman also reflected on the transient nature of life, noting that we all face dark moments. Yet, he believes these are merely part of a fleeting journey.
“We were born, and we’re going to go. Where we go, we don’t know, but it depends on each person’s imagination and beliefs.”
This comes after AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their decision to divorce after 29 years of marriage.
In a joint statement, the couple expressed their mutual respect for one another despite the emotional challenges that led to their separation.
They requested privacy during this difficult time, underlining that the decision was not taken lightly.
Coincidentally, on the same day Rahman and Saira made their announcement, bass guitarist Mohini Dey also announced her separation.
This led to some speculation about a potential connection between the two events.
However, both Rahman and Deyrejected such rumours, with Rahman even threatening legal action against those spreading false information.
Saira Banu also addressed the rumours, clarifying that her separation from Rahman was due to her health issues.
She claimed it was not related to any external factors.
She expressed deep admiration for her former husband, calling him “a gem of a person” and the “best man in the world”.
Sara Banu also urged the media to refrain from spreading hurtful remorse, adding:
“I trust him with my life. I request you to stop false allegations.”
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