A.R. Rahman on turning producer...

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman says turning producer is like being born again as a new man. He has turned writer and producer with his movie 99 Songs. “I feel like I have been reborn since the time I have decided to turn producer. It’s an entirely new feeling,” Rahman said.

Opening up about the challenges of making a film, he said: “It’s like being born again as a new man. When I started as a film music composer, I already had ten years of experience. But as a producer, it felt so new and seemed like I was starting all over again. I wanted to leave no stone unturned in giving it my best. Also, since I was working with other debutants — the director and the actor — I was reminded that I have a completely new team and we had a modest budget. I didn’t want to spare any effort in presenting it well and try to make our own epic.”

Delicate balance

Asked if he was a regular on sets during the shoot, he said: “I knew that if some important scenes needed to be expanded, I ensured I would be present on the set. Our executive producer would tell me that we have time constraints and will have to wrap the scene in a day, while I was keen on four because those are the scenes that need love and complete justice. It’s an art to balance between creative and commercial,” he added. — IANS