A SONG FOR THE END OF THE WORLD

AR Rahman to release a single on love and optimism prior to ‘doomsday’ on December 21; teams up with Nita, Mukesh Ambani for project

There have been predictions that the world will come to an end on 21.12.12. But I look around me and
I see so much scope for hope.
—AR Rahman, composer

Even as conspiracy theories do the rounds on the impending ‘apocalypse’ on December 21, an optimistic message comes from India’s leading music composer, AR Rahman. The artiste is composing a song, his first solo since 1997, to instill faith and optimism in people.

Nita Ambani with AR Rahman

  “After about 15 years, I finally got the chance to spend time on a personal project. There have been predictions that the world will come to an end on 21.12.12. But I look around me and I see so much scope for hope, joy and, most importantly, love,” says Rahman, whose last album, Vande Mataram, featuring the hit song ‘Maa tujhe salaam’, was released as part of the celebrations during the 50th year of Indian independence.

Though the Academy Award-winning composer refuses to divulge any details on the yet-untitled song, he did say it will be themed on love. “Mankind has the innate capability to love, and that is what this single is about — a rainbow of hope. When we are all tuned with positive thoughts, we can change disastrous destinies,” says Rahman, who is currently at his studio in Los Angeles, USA, adding finishing touches to the single. He is believed to be working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood for this song, which is likely to release next week (by Sony Music).
Interestingly, the Slumdog Millionaire (2008) composer has partnered with industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his philanthropist-wife, Nita Ambani for the project. “They have played a crucial role in bringing this song to life. We hope to achieve many things. This is just the start,” he says.
When contacted, Nita Ambani confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, I am delighted to be working with AR; it’s a project close to my heart. But I don’t think I should be revealing more at this stage.”