Entertainment · Music · 10 hrs ago
AR Rahman responds to criticism of Ramayana song ‘Mangal Rang’
AR Rahman defended ‘Mangal Rang’ after listeners questioned its qawwali-like sound.
The song is from Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash.
Rahman said he is his own first critic and that not every creative choice can please everyone.
He said some musical ideas need months to develop before they are finalised.
The song blends classical influences with devotional and traditional sounds, rather than following an established template.
It reached No.
1 on YouTube’s trending music chart during its release week.
Rahman is making the film’s songs and score with Hans Zimmer, and said Zimmer’s involvement could bring the project to a wider international audience.
AR Rahman has responded to criticism of “Mangal Rang,” a song from Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film “Ramayana: Rise of a Legend.”
Some listeners questioned the song’s qawwali-like treatment of music associated with the mythological epic.
Rahman said he is his own first critic and that composers cannot make every creative decision to satisfy public reactions.
The composition draws on Bilawal, Maand and Pahadi musical influences.
The song reached No. 1 on YouTube’s trending music chart during the week of its release.
- Who
- AR Rahman responded to criticism from listeners.
- What
- He discussed the mixed reactions to “Mangal Rang” and his creative process.
- When
- He addressed the criticism in an interview reported on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- The song is from “Ramayana: Rise of a Legend,” directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
- Why
- Some listeners questioned its qawwali-like musical treatment for a song associated with the mythological epic.
Listeners critical of “Mangal Rang
AR Rahman
Musical treatment
Listeners critical of “Mangal Rang
Some listeners questioned the song’s qawwali-like treatment for a composition linked to the mythological epic.
AR Rahman
Rahman defended the creative approach and said not every creative choice needs to please everyone.
Mangal Rang” reached No. 1 on YouTube’s trending music chart.
News outlets reported Rahman’s response to criticism of the song.
- Song
- Mangal Rang
- Film
- Ramayana: Rise of a Legend
- Director
- Nitesh Tiwari
- Music influences
- Bilawal, Maand and Pahadi
- YouTube chart
- No. 1 during the week of the song’s release
- Music collaborator
- Hans Zimmer
3 sources
What people are saying
I am my first critic. It is not that I just love everything I do,
Sometimes you need to take anthropology into consideration. Sometimes, you let something be, like pickle: for certain tunes, the older it is, the better it becomes,
If you want to satisfy everyone, go sell ice cream.
His name coming in Ramayana would bring a whole set of new audience curiosity,