Archive · 4 Sep 2025
RGV Initially Doubted A.R. Rahman's Rangeela Music: A Retrospective
Ram Gopal Varma, the director of the movie Rangeela, initially didn't like the music composed by A.R. Rahman.
He thought it was strange and not what he expected.
He even questioned Rahman about it.
Rahman explained that he was trying to make music rooted in their culture.
At first, Varma wasn't convinced, but after repeatedly listening to the songs, he began to enjoy them, and so did others on set.
Eventually, the music became a big hit.
Varma realized that Rahman's music was unique and needed time for people to appreciate it.
Ram Gopal Varma initially disliked A.R. Rahman's music for Rangeela, calling it 'horrible'.
RGV was confused by Rahman's unique musical style, expecting something different.
Rahman explained his music was rooted in their culture.
After repeatedly listening, RGV and others began to like the music, and the songs became popular.
Rangeela became a massive hit, and Rahman rose to Bollywood stardom.
- Who
- Ram Gopal Varma and A.R. Rahman
- What
- RGV's initial negative reactions and eventual appreciation of A.R. Rahman's music for the film Rangeela.
- When
- 30 years after Rangeela's release.
- Where
- During the making and after the release of Rangeela.
- Why
- To discuss the music and RGV's changing perspective on Rahman's compositions.
- Film
- Rangeela
- Director
- Ram Gopal Varma
- Music Composer
- A.R. Rahman
- RGV's Initial Reaction
- Thought Rahman's music was 'horrible' and 'crazy'
- Key Song
- 'Haaye Rama Yeh Kya Hua'