AR Rahman once declined an invitation to meet Michael Jackson after the singer delayed his response for a week. Rahman, who had been nominated for an Oscar, received a reply from Jackson’s manager, but decided he would only meet Jackson if he won the Oscar. After his win, Rahman met Jackson, who praised his music from "Slumdog Millionaire" and introduced him to his children. They discussed collaborating on a Tamil song, but Jackson's passing in 2009 ended the possibility. Rahman's experiences and his documentary, "Headhunting to Beatboxing," will premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024, exploring Nagaland's musical journey and its cultural evolution.
Rahman, sharing this anecdote in a video by Free Malaysia Today, emphasized the surreal nature of the meeting. His interaction with Jackson included discussions about dance moves, music, and global peace, marking a memorable yet bittersweet chapter in his career. Jackson's appreciation for Rahman's work, especially his technical expertise in music, left a lasting impression on the Indian composer.
Following his return to India, Rahman began working on the music for Rajinikanth's film "Enthiran." A conversation with director Shankar about a potential collaboration with Jackson sparked excitement, but it was not to be, as Jackson’s health deteriorated. Despite the lost opportunity, Rahman cherishes the memory of their brief connection.
Meanwhile, Rahman's documentary "Headhunting to Beatboxing," directed by Rohit Gupta, is set for its world premiere. The film delves into Nagaland's rich musical heritage, tracing the evolution from headhunting traditions to modern musical expressions, offering a profound exploration of the state's cultural and musical transformations.
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