A.R. Rahman speaks out on AI in the music industry: We are in a situation where we need rules now...

A R Rahman reacts to AI in music

Discussions concerning artificial intelligence's (AI) effects on creativity are becoming more prevalent as AI continues to permeate the fields of music, art, and film. A.R. Rahman and Javed Akhtar, two of Indian cinema's most renowned voices, have now contributed their viewpoints to this expanding discussion, balancing caution and optimism.

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman discussed how AI is changing music production and creative expression in a contemplative interview with Shruti Haasan on NDTV Goodtimes' Soundscape.

While the maestro has always embraced technology, he believes innovation must come with responsibility.

“We are in a situation where we need rules now,” Rahman said. “Not everybody can access someone else’s identity and then distort it. It is now very, very important to set rules, and in a way, where creative people get freedom to do extraordinary things, at the same time, don’t get to steal from other people’s identity.”

Rahman’s words come at a time when global artists are raising alarms over deepfakes, cloned voices, and the use of their likeness without permission. For him, technology can coexist with art — but not at the cost of creativity’s soul.

However, during NDTV Yuva 2025, seasoned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar adopted a more humorous and philosophical stance. He acknowledged AI's developing capabilities with his trademark wit, but he maintained that it could never fully capture the emotional depth that inspires human creativity.

“If there is a choice between AI and natural stupidity, I would choose AI,” Akhtar quipped. “But AI is still crawling, it is in its humble beginnings. At the moment, AI is no threat to creativity. It can write letters or official notes, but art is a different matter.”

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He went on to describe why creativity can never be purely mechanical.

“The problem with AI is that it hasn’t had a traumatic childhood. AI’s mother didn’t die when it was young. AI’s girlfriend didn’t leave it for another boy. AI has no subconscious, no deeply hurt memories or failed affairs. Creativity doesn’t run only on logic; it comes from pain, heartbreak, and experiences that no machine has.”

Although Rahman and Akhtar have different styles, they both agree that although technology can improve art, it will never be able to fully replace the human spirit that inspires it.