AR Rahman and the Use of AI in Music

In 2024, renowned Indian music composer AR Rahman created a song titled Thimiri Yezhuda for the film Lal Salaam, which featured Rajinikanth.

What made this song unique was Rahman’s decision to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recreate the voices of two beloved late singers, Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed.

This sparked a mix of appreciation and criticism from the public and music community.

The Controversy

While some praised the use of advanced technology to revive iconic voices, others were uncomfortable with how it might impact artistic integrity and ethics.

Some people raised concerns about whether this use of AI was respectful or whether it crossed a line.

Rahman’s Perspective

Rahman has shared that he sees both the good and the bad in using AI for music.

On one hand, it can be a powerful tool to support artists who otherwise wouldn’t have access to expensive production tools.

On the other, it can easily be misused, especially when inappropriate or low-quality content is made using the voices of well-known singers — which can mislead audiences or damage reputations.

He also stressed the importance of creating guidelines for how AI should be used in creative industries.

Just as society has norms for acceptable behavior, Rahman believes the digital world should also have boundaries to ensure AI doesn't cause harm.

Responsible Use of AI

To address concerns, Rahman made sure to take permission from the families of the two late singers before using their voices in the song.

He also ensured that they were compensated. This step showed his commitment to ethical practices while exploring new technology.

What’s Next

AR Rahman continues to push musical boundaries and is now working on the soundtrack for Thug Life, a film by Mani Ratnam featuring Kamal Haasan, set to release in June 2025.

Lessons Learned

Innovation Needs Ethics

– Technology like AI can be exciting, but using it in creative fields must come with a sense of responsibility.

Consent Matters

– When using someone’s identity or creative work, especially after their passing, getting permission and compensating families is essential.

Balance is Key

– While AI can democratize creativity and offer new possibilities, overuse or misuse can lead to chaos, misinformation, or damage to the art itself.

Create Clear Guidelines

– Industries using AI should develop clear ethical standards and boundaries to protect both creators and audiences.