Divine Connection

A R Rahman, as told to Atul Sethi of The Sunday Times, writes,

Music is my means of connecting with the divine. What cannot be put into words, can be expressed through music. There are countless names of God, which we cannot utter simultaneously, but through a soulful composition, we can experience the whole power of God’s presence amidst us. When I was composing for my first film Roja, I often went into a spiritual vacuum where nothing else mattered except the music. At those times, I felt connected with a supreme power. That is why I credit whatever success has come my way to the Almighty. For artists, I believe that this manifests itself in the form of inspiration which helps you create something wonderful. I often work through the night because that is when I feel closest to the divine. As a composer, I have often felt that life’s experiences – both good and bad – have greatly added to my compositions.

My belief in Sufism has helped me emerge as a stronger person and has given me the equanimity to view life objectively. When I visit a dargah, I feel a sense of peace enveloping me. I also believe in the power of prayer. My daughter was diagnosed with a hole in her heart when she was born. However, by the time she was two, the hole vanishes without any operation. It was considered nothing short of a miracle.