Rishi Kapoor didn’t like 'Rockstar' songs: A R Rahman

The Oscar-winning musician recalled that while filming in Kashmir he asked everyone what they thought of the music

Imtiaz Ali directorial Rockstar has recently completed its 10 year-run. The critically-acclaimed film became a benchmark in Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor's fruitful career. The actor was lauded by fans and critics alike for his brilliant portrayal of Jordan in the award-winning venture. The songs are still loved by fans. 

Indian maestro A R Rahman composed the music for Rockstar for which he garnered praises from most. However, not everyone was a fan. The Oscar-winning musician, in a recent video chat, recalled that while filming in Kashmir he asked everyone what they thought of the music. While most people said that they loved Rahman’s work, Ali told him that Rishi Kapoor wasn’t particularly impressed.

According to The Indian Express, when Rahman heard The Bobby star's comments, he said, “I expected this, and I knew why also because everything was so complicated.” When Rahman asked if Kapoor liked any song at all, Ali said that Rishi told him that he “didn’t understand anything.”

“(Imtiaz) said, 'No, we all like it'. I said we all liked it but did you play it to anyone? Imtiaz said, 'I played to Ranbir's dad (Rishi Kapoor) and he didn't like any of the songs'. I expected this, and I knew why also because everything was complicated,” the music director said. 

Rahman then asked Ali, "He didn't like even one song?" Imtiaz replied, "No, he said, 'I didn’t understand anything, couldn't get the songs'.” After hearing this, the Slumdog Millionaire composer replied, "So then I said I'm not going to compose what we are supposed to do. I'll go back and do another song. So that's how Nadaan Parindey was born. It was very important to get that comment, which changed my outlook towards this song.” Rahman added, “It was very important to get that comment, which changed my outlook towards this song.”

There were 14 tracks were woven into the plotline. Songs like Jo Bhi Main, which brought out the dilemma of the protagonist, Sadda Haq about the artistic angst, Kun Faya Kun about understanding music and life, the love ballad Tum Ho, the search for 'home' in Naadaan Parinde, among others continue to be fan favourites.

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