Panaji: Music maestro AR Rahman, whose documentary “Headhunting to Beatboxing” premiered at IFFI 2024, believes music has the power to heal and unite, as exemplified by Nagaland’s transformation.
From headhunting to harmony
Rahman’s journey into documentary filmmaking began with an invitation to Nagaland’s Annual Hornbill Competition. Intrigued, he delved into the region’s musical history, exploring how music helped heal the wounds of a violent past and fostered a vibrant cultural renaissance. “Headhunting to Beatboxing” chronicles this remarkable transformation.
The power of Indian musical theatre
Rahman emphasized the potential of Indian musical theatre to attract global tourism, similar to Western models. He stressed the need for investment in infrastructure and innovative presentations to make it appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
Inspiration and innovation
Rahman cited Lata Mangeshkar and Michael Jackson as major inspirations, highlighting the importance of originality in music composition. He cautioned against the potential job displacement caused by AI in the music industry, while acknowledging its potential for enhancing dubbing and other creative processes.
The importance of physical music
Rahman advocated for the preservation of physical music copies, emphasizing the respect shown to artists when their work is owned in tangible form. He also stressed the need for backup measures to safeguard music stored on cloud platforms.
A call for unity and cultural revival
Rahman’s insights at the Lata Mangeshkar Memorial Talk underscored the profound impact of music on society, its ability to heal, unite, and inspire. He urged for a renewed focus on India’s rich musical heritage, leveraging technology to create engaging and accessible experiences for both audiences and artists.
