Anuradha Paudwal calls AR Rahman 'ek chotta school ka bachcha'

Legendary singers AR Rahman and Anuradha Paudwal may have collaborated on only two songs, but both became unforgettable hits. Their iconic tracks — “Kissa Hum Likhenge” and “Pa Jaye Kismat Se Tum Humko Mile Ho” from the 1998 film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna — remain fan favorites even today.

In a recent chat, Anuradha praised the Oscar-winning composer and fondly recalled his unique method of teaching music to students.In conversation with O2 India, Anuradha called AR Rahman one of the “finest music directors” of our time. She likened his approach to music as a source of light that illuminates everything around it. Praising his generosity, she noted that Rahman doesn’t just focus on his own success but genuinely wants those around him to thrive and grow in music as well.The veteran singer recalled a moment at AR Rahman’s studio that left a lasting impression on her. She shared that while observing a young girl recording a song, Rahman gently guided her through the nuances of expression and tone. “He told her, ‘You’re singing it this way, but it needs to be like this,’” Anuradha said, calling it a rare and remarkable skill.She further praised AR Rahman’s clarity as a composer, noting that many music directors struggle to articulate what exactly is missing in a singer’s performance.

She explained that Rahman has a rare ability to precisely communicate what needs to be corrected, which helps artists improve on the spot—something she witnessed firsthand in his studio.Doli Saja Ke Rakhna marked the first collaboration between AR Rahman and Anuradha Paudwal. Recalling the experience, Anuradha revealed that trained singers Srinidhi and Hiral Viradia were also present in the studio. What stood out to her was seeing a recordist sing alongside—a rare sight in her long career.

When she asked about it, the recordist humbly said she simply enjoyed singing, though she wasn’t a professional vocalist.

Anuradha highlighted how Rahman nurtures every talent in his space with care and dedication, a side of him she feels more people should know about.Anuradha went on to praise AR Rahman’s humility and dedication to nurturing talent. She said students from his music school emerge with an exceptional level of training—something the general public may not fully realise. Despite reaching global heights, Rahman remains grounded, with the simplicity and innocence of a schoolboy. Anuradha added that there’s no showmanship or manipulation in his personality, and that rare authenticity reflects in his music, which is why audiences connect to his compositions so deeply and instantly.