Subhash Ghai reflects on Rahman’s remarkable musical legacy
- Last updated: November 11, 2026 | 09:59
Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recalled music maestro A R Rahman’s contribution to the Indian music industry and shared how he transformed Mumbai’s music culture with films such as “Lagaan” and “Rang De Basanti.” Taking to Instagram, the “Taal” hit-maker shared a heartfelt note about the composer, describing him as a “blessed talent.”
He also recalled how he first approached him for his 1999 film “Taal.” Recounting his initial hesitation, Ghai said he was nervous about offering Rahman the project because the composer was not very familiar with Hindi lyrics or Hindi films at the time. However, his concerns eased when Rahman told him that he used to play the hero flute.
Sharing how he eventually embraced Rahman’s distinctive musical style, he recalled their association with “Taal” and praised the composer’s ability to adapt to different musical influences. Posting their picture, Subhash wrote “A blessed talent from our universe. A R Rahman. . Why? I was really nervous when I offered him my film ‘Taal’ to him as he could hardly knew Hindi lyrics and not too close to Hindi films till he told me that he used to play Hero flute. I was relaxed. And entered into his style of music. And you know ‘Taal’ till now.”
“He changed the music culture in Mumbai with “Lagaan” and “Rang De Basanti” or “Rockstar.” He won oscar for Hindi song “Jai Ho.” He can learn and turn into any sound of any land and culture into music He responds to every kind of film n director anywhere. So A R is a blessed and will go on giving surprises to music lovers and will live for a long. My all blessings to his talent n happiness always,” he added.
Subhash Ghai and A R Rahman have collaborated on three feature films: “Taal” (1999), “Kisna: The Warrior Poet” (2005) and “Yuvvraaj” (2008). Their association began with “Taal,” starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, which became widely remembered for its music.
Meanwhile, Subhash shared an emotional moment as he watched his daughter Muskaan Ghai deliver her first speech before 150 senior colleagues at Mukta Arts during the company’s 48th anniversary celebrations. Taking to Instagram, the director expressed his pride in seeing Muskaan take the stage and address the team for the first time. Comparing the moment to watching a daughter achieve a milestone, Ghai said he experienced the same emotions as a father. Ghai also shared that Muskaan took the opportunity to thank her colleagues for guiding and teaching her as she begins her journey with the company.
The “Taal” hit-maker revealed that Muskaan has graduated from the University of the Arts London, where she studied film and Screen Studies. Sharing his blessings for her new journey, the filmmaker wrote, “How does a father feel watching his younger daughter on stage giving a speech for the first time to all her 150 seniors at Mukta Arts Ltd, celebrating 48 years of excellence yesterday? Yes, I felt the same way for my young daughter Muskaan Ghai, thanking everyone for teaching her as the new kid on the block in the growth of Mukta business in the coming years.”
He further added, “She has graduated herself from the University of Arts London in Film and Screen Studies and now here in Mukta House with full passion and fire as a student. Stay blessed always, Muskaan.”
The proud father also shared a picture of Muskaan addressing the gathering from the stage, giving a glimpse of the special moment during Mukta Arts’ 48th anniversary celebrations. The proud father also shared a picture of Muskaan addressing the gathering from the stage.
Indo-Asian News Service