In 1992, Allah Rakha Rahman, 35, stepped into the world of cinema with his music for Roja. In no time, his compositions for Tamil films drew the nations attention, and today, Rahman is an international asset.

Situated in a narrow street at Dr Subbarayan Nagar at Kodambakkam in Chennai is Rahmans studio-cum-home. A green flag flutters atop his technologically advanced recording studio, an important address in the Indian film music industry. Due to constant threats from terrorists, two armed policemen stand guard at the gates. Inside is a beautiful garden and on the right, his office. Its 3 pm. Despite a recording that stretched on to the wee hours of the morning, Rahman speaks to Manoj with renewed energy about music, fame, religion and his constant search for innovation.

Since when have you been associated with the music industry?

Since I was nine years old. My father, R K Shekar, was assisting leading music directors like Salil Choudhary and V Kumar. He contributed a lot to Malayalam film music. I was nine years old when my father died. My three sisters were also very young then. My mother stood strong even after his death. We rented my fathers many music instruments to run the show.

Did you know how to play the instruments then?

I could play the keyboards and guitar. It was only after my mother encouraged me to play outside that I took to playing at recordings.

Was cinema next in line?

Cinema didnt interest me one bit at that time. Playing at recordings was becoming routine, so I gradually moved on to composing music for commercials. It was exciting in the beginning. We had to compose music that would capture a persons heart within a short time frame, and at the same time satisfy the director, the agency, the client, and so on. Sometimes, the two-line songs took seven or eight months to complete. In fact, it was this very reason that made me leave.

How did cinema happen?

Leo Coffee (for which Rahman composed the music) was selected as the Best Advertisement. Its producer, Sharada Trilok, Mani Ratnams cousin, introduced me to the director at the awards function. He liked my music and asked me to compose the music for Roja.

Did you have a studio then?

I built the studio in 1989. It was my big dream. I poured all my savings into it. Thats why I didnt go outside to work on my first film. Initially, people had their doubts as to whether it would work out. Even S P Balasubramaniam said, …However hard you work on your music, you will not achieve the results you want in the cinema hall. In the end, you will have to go to a big studio.c It was only after they saw the quality that they were ready to trust me.

You entered films when Illayaraja was holding sway in the music world. How did you manage to compose without any trace of his musical style?

In cinema, when you play the same tunes again and again, you soon feel a sense of boredom. When you are young, you are energetic. You thirst to do something new. At that time, I got together with Sivamani, John Antony and Hari Shankar to form a rock band. Soon, my mindset and thoughts changed. I realised that there was more to music than routine compositions. My advertising background also helped. Thats why I was able to deliver new tunes.

But you were with Illayarajas team in the beginning

For one-and-a half years. Moondram Pirai was the first film, and I played the keyboards. Then came Punnagai Mannan for which I composed music on the computer. My last film with him was Vaellaikaran.

Did the raving reviews affect you?

I thought Id bid goodbye to cinema after Roja. I had serious doubts about whether I would be able to deliver continuously. But following the success of Rojas music and the national award, I got several offers. This situation prompted me to formally learn music. When I moved over to Hindi films, I learnt Hindi. At the time, the reviews did affect me but later, I started to categorise it this is over praising, this is not a fair review, and so on. I took the positive aspects and didnt worry about the rest.

You make use of the traditional music styles of other states such as Andhra and Kerala. Is there a reason?

In our culture, we try to see the commonness in our many languages. Many people in Kerala listen to Tamil songs. For the Tamilians to know about Keralas Nadan and Mapillai songs, I use their influence in my compositions. Our songs, instead of being confined to a small circle, should absorb different musical styles to create a new kind of music. That is my wish.

You are known as a night bird...

My work starts when everybodys asleep (laughs). During my recording days, I also worked on the advertisements where recordings stretched till five in the morning. I got used to this and still continue with the schedule.

Why did you convert to Islam?

Kareemulla Shahaad, a man who medically treated my father, was the follower of a category of Islam, Sufism. We met him after ten years and my mother and I took to his ideals. In 1992, we converted. I changed my name from Dilip Kumar to Rahman and my mother, from Kasthuri to Kareema.

Were you unnerved when composing the music for Bombay Dreams?

No. They called me only because they were interested. They wanted a change. Like those who have been eating pizza changing over to masala dosa. So I was able to work with total freedom and creativity.

There are talks that you will settle in Hollywood with your family...

Its probably because I stayed in London for two years to work on Bombay Dreams that such rumours have spread. I have absolutely no wish to settle in Hollywood. Chennai is what I breathe. I want Chennai to be known internationally and thats why I am working so hard. The Airtel ad has put a full stop to such rumours. Now, I am on everyones television screen and theyll think: This man has not gone anywhere. Hes very much here (laughs).

Do you have time to spend with your children?

Thats not a problem since Im at home. But, I keep my distance from both Gajeetha, 6, and Rahfiya, 4, or else they will want their father all the time.

Wife...?

Saira. Shes also from Chennai but knows only Hindi.

Plans for the future...?

Insha Allah!