A R Rahman on creating Ramayana’s music with Hans Zimmer: 'We’re scoring something iconic and important to the world...'

AR Rahman talks about working on Ramayan

• A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer collaborate on music for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana
• Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, and Yash
• Film to release in two parts: Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027

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Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged and widely discussed Indian films in recent years.

Ever since its first look was revealed in 2025, curiosity around the project has only grown, fuelled by its ambitious scale and deep cultural roots. However, what has truly captured attention across India and beyond is the film’s music — a rare collaboration between A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer, two composers whose work has defined modern cinema in very different ways.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, A R Rahman spoke openly about the responsibility and vulnerability that come with composing music for a story as revered as the Ramayana.

Reflecting on his collaboration with Hans Zimmer, Rahman admitted that they have only had a handful of sessions together so far, but the weight of the project is already deeply felt. “It’s terrifying for both of us. We’re scoring something so iconic and so important to the world. So in the promo, I think he had a soundscape, then I took that and added the Sanskrit words at the end and everything. What’s complicated is that we’re taking something so epic, which every Indian knows, and we have to give them something new. We have to give something to the world — from India to the world.”

Rahman went on to explain that working on Ramayana requires letting go of preconceived ideas while still honouring centuries of tradition. “So what does it take? We have to unlearn certain things, like how our instincts demand, ‘Oh, this is how Ramayana should be done,’ but also imbibe the timeless quality that exists in the culture. It’s still a process. I’m working with Dr Kumar Vishwas, who is like a pro, almost at a professor level when it comes to Ramayana and the Hindi language. Every atom of his body speaks Ramayana. He comes up with lyrics like that, and he’s a very kind person. So we’re having fun, and it’s new.”

Also Read: When AR Rahman spoke about converting to Sufism, changing his original name Dileep Kumar: “My problem is killing or harming others in the name of religion...”

Beyond the music, Rahman also shared glimpses of the collaborative spirit behind the scenes. Producer Namit Malhotra, he said, balances authority with infectious excitement, constantly eager to hear new ideas. Director Nitesh Tiwari remains closely involved, guiding the project with care and sensitivity.

Starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman and Yash as Ravana, Ramayana will release in two parts — the first on Diwali 2026 and the second on Diwali 2027.