Don't think India's musical heritage is dying: A R Rahman

Music maestro A R Rahman says India's musical heritage may lack exposure but it is not dying as its roots are deep in tradition and people have a spiritual connection with it.

The double Oscar-winner has travelled across India to find rare instruments and hidden musical traditions in his maiden non-fiction series, "Harmony with A R Rahman", being launched on Amazon Prime on August 15.

The quest underscored what Rahman always thought was true about India -- every street has a musical legacy. Rahman will interpret these traditions in a modern context on the show.

"I don't think India's rich musical heritage is dying, only the exposure is dying. People love traditions and it is beyond anybody's money or power. It (music) is the lifestyle of so many people.

"I was talking about this place in Kerala, Kalamandalam, where they have this guru-shishya thing and they have a place in Chennai which has a fees of Rs 370 per year and they teach folk music, classical music and dance. In Rajasthan, every kid sings amazingly well and also in Punjab," Rahman told PTI in an interview.

The composer, who is credited with revolutionising Indian cinema music in his 25-year illustrious career, says traditional music may lack exposure but exists in a big way.

"We can't generalise that everybody is watching this... They have the options to watch so many things. They have the option to watch the purest thing or filth.

"What we see exposed is this big splash of Hindi movies and Tamil movies. It does not mean that all this (traditional music) does not exist. It is taken by families who create this legacy. It is their soul. It is not dictated by money. It is a redeeming factor in their lives."
"I'm not like a traditional anchor. Don't have high expectations. I am not like 'Lovely! look at this place, look at the food'. I am not that charming. In my own ways, I had these beautiful interactions."