Renowned lyricist Manoj Muntashir shared his unique experience of working with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman for the first time on the soundtrack of Maidaan, a film starring Ajay Devgn. Muntashir’s words painted a vivid picture of the maestro’s unassuming personality, revealing a side of Rahman that many may not expect from a globally celebrated music legend. Muntashir recalled how his first meeting with Rahman was surprisingly humble and marked by an almost uncanny simplicity.
The collaboration began when Rahman approached Muntashir through producer Boney Kapoor for the film. The two were set to work together on crafting the lyrics for the film’s songs. Muntashir was understandably excited, but little did he know that his first encounter with Rahman would challenge all preconceived notions he had about the composer. When Rahman entered the room, Muntashir was taken aback by how “ordinary” he seemed. “AR Rahman is the most ordinary man in the world until he sits with his piano,” Muntashir remarked, recalling how his first impression of Rahman was that of a simple, down-to-earth individual with no trace of ego or grandeur that one might associate with a global superstar.
Muntashir’s experience of meeting Rahman was a far cry from the expectations he had. He expected someone larger than life, but what he got was the opposite. Rahman’s approach to work was quiet, unassuming, and grounded, a trait that only heightened Muntashir’s respect for him. The lyricist described the moment as “quietly confusing,” as it felt almost surreal to be in the presence of someone with so much global recognition, yet who exuded such calm and humility. The meeting left Muntashir with a deep sense of admiration for Rahman’s ability to remain unaffected by the fame that surrounded him.
Despite Rahman’s low-key demeanor, the moment he sat down at his piano, everything changed. “Once he sits down with his piano, he transforms into something magical,” Muntashir observed. This transformation was where Rahman’s true genius came to life. The pianist and composer’s creativity and musical brilliance poured out effortlessly as he brought Muntashir’s lyrics to life, creating a synergy between their talents that was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Muntashir recalled how Rahman’s approach to the music of Maidaan was no different. The songs they created together were born out of Rahman’s ability to look beyond the superficial and dive into the heart of the emotions the film wanted to convey. The music became a reflection of the story, enhancing the emotional impact and bringing depth to the narrative. Muntashir’s lyrics and Rahman’s compositions merged seamlessly, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
For Muntashir, working with Rahman was a humbling experience that further solidified his admiration for the composer. The contrast between Rahman’s ordinary presence and extraordinary musical talent was something that left a lasting impression on the lyricist. It was a reminder that greatness doesn’t always announce itself through grandeur or spectacle. Sometimes, the most profound brilliance can be found in simplicity.
Muntashir’s description of Rahman serves as a testament to the latter’s character, reinforcing the idea that humility is at the core of true genius. In an industry where stars often carry a sense of entitlement and self-importance, Rahman’s ability to remain grounded despite his success is a rare and admirable quality. His work ethic, creativity, and humble personality continue to inspire artists and fans around the world, proving that one doesn’t need to be flashy or ostentatious to leave a profound impact.
As Muntashir continued to reflect on his experiences working with Rahman, he highlighted the extraordinary commitment and dedication the composer brought to every aspect of his work. Rahman’s ability to immerse himself deeply into the emotional core of the project was something that stood out to Muntashir. The lyricist recalled that Rahman’s focus was always on how the music could enhance the story, always pushing to create something that resonated not just sonically but emotionally as well.
For Muntashir, the process of writing lyrics to accompany Rahman’s compositions was like entering another world. There was a certain stillness in Rahman’s creative space that allowed Muntashir to tap into a more profound level of writing. The environment Rahman cultivated around his music was one of calmness, free from distraction, which in turn allowed his collaborators to also find their most authentic creative selves. Muntashir described the process as being deeply meditative, where every note, every word, and every phrase felt like it was meant to be, reflecting the meticulous yet intuitive nature of Rahman’s musical genius.
One of the things Muntashir found most inspiring about Rahman was his approach to every new project with a childlike curiosity. Despite decades of success, Rahman never seemed to lose his wonder for music, continuously approaching each new challenge with an eagerness to explore uncharted territories. This willingness to experiment and learn from every opportunity is what makes Rahman stand out in an industry full of talented musicians. His humility allowed him to stay open to new ideas, which made him an incredibly versatile composer who can transition from film scores to independent albums and collaborations across genres.
Muntashir also noted that Rahman’s influence extended far beyond his music. He had the ability to inspire those around him, not just through his work, but through his attitude toward life and creativity. Rahman’s grounded nature and humility set an example for all who worked with him. He demonstrated that success could be attained without sacrificing one’s personal integrity, and that greatness in art could be achieved without the need for arrogance or a sense of entitlement.
The chemistry between Muntashir and Rahman seemed effortless, with both artists complementing each other perfectly. While Rahman’s music brought out the soul of the film, Muntashir’s words added the narrative depth, enhancing the connection between the music and the listener. Together, they created a symbiotic relationship that resulted in some of the most memorable tracks for Maidaan. The lyricist’s ability to articulate Rahman’s musical visions through words was evident in the lyrical quality of the songs, where every line felt intentional, resonant, and poignant.
As Muntashir finished his reflection, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Rahman, emphasizing how working with a legend like him was not just a professional achievement, but also a personal learning experience. It was a reminder of the importance of humility, hard work, and the endless pursuit of excellence. For Muntashir, AR Rahman represented the pinnacle of artistry — someone who could transform the most ordinary moments into something extraordinary, simply by doing what he loved.
Through Muntashir’s story, we gain insight into the quiet brilliance that lies within AR Rahman. Despite his immense success, Rahman remains a humble and approachable figure, focused on his craft and the impact it has on the world around him. His simplicity is a testament to the power of true artistry, where the work itself speaks louder than any public persona. And for those lucky enough to work with him, like Muntashir, it is clear that Rahman’s genius is as much in his spirit as it is in his music.