Kailash Kher reveals how AR Rahman Boosted his Career

Indian playback singer Kailash Kher has opened up about how composer AR Rahman helped his career.

Kher revealed that he used to stay with AR Rahman before his music career took off. He also said his career “bloomed” as a result.

Kailash Kher’s revelation came after his performance on Indian Pro Music League (IPML).

This unique music league sees six teams representing different Indian regions battle it out in a musical championship.

Each team is supported by leading Bollywood and sports celebrities, and the Mumbai Warriors team is captained by Kailash Kher.

After performing the song ‘Yuhin Chala Chal Rahi’ with his team members Rachit Agarwal and Mohammad Irfan, Kher reflected on his time spent with composer AR Rahman.

He said:

“I lived in Chennai for 3-4 years and I must say, staying with AR Rahman my career bloomed.

“I used to eat Amma’s (AR Rahman’s mother) handmade cooked food and then we would record songs all night.

“I remember the time during ‘Teri Deewani‘ song when I was struggling, I didn’t come to Mumbai to sing songs in movies, but I came to make my own album.

“People made me wait 6-8 months, they used to tell me ‘this is not the kind of voice we are looking for’, it’s not a ‘hero’ kind of voice.

“Having said that, god graced me with my first Bollywood song ‘Allah Ke Bande’ and look at the irony, the ‘hero’ in the song was me.

“My second song Al Maddath Maula was from Mangal Pandey movie and I too, featured in the song.”

Kailash Kher has fond memories of staying with AR Rahman and his late mother, Kareema Begum, during his tour with the renowned composer.

Kher has also recently paid tribute to Begum, who passed away in December 2020.

He took to his Twitter account to share his memories of the care given by her, remembering her as “kindness personified”.

He said:

“Fifteen to 16 years ago I was fortunate enough to do a tour with AR Rahman sahab and stay at his place for music recording.

“At that time Amma Kareema Begum sued to take care of me as if I’m her son.”

“She has become one with God now, I’m praying for her departed soul.”

Multiple Indian singers such as Lata Mangeshkar and Adnan Sami also sent their condolences to AR Rahman for the loss of his mother.