AR Rahman talks about his thoughts of suicide and how his mother’s wisdom helped him
Music master AR Rahman reveals battle with suicidal thoughts and life-saving advice from mother, says ‘When I was young…’
In a candid conversation with Oxford Union students, music maestro A R Rahman talked about battling suicidal thoughts in his childhood and how his mother Kareema Begum’s wisdom helped him overcome them. Her simple advice, “If you live for others, you won’t have these thoughts,” became a guiding principle for Rahman. He emphasized the importance of serving others, finding meaning in acts of kindness, big and small, from composing music to smiling at someone. This goal-oriented approach, coupled with optimism and the realization that life is a temporary journey, is what keeps him going. Although feelings of stagnation creep in occasionally, belief in a greater purpose fuels his creative engine. According to a report on India todayRahman said, “When I had thoughts of suicide when I was young, my mother always said, ‘If you live for others, you won’t have these thoughts.’ That is one of the best pieces of advice I received from my mother.”
Despite going through dark times himself, Rahman is reluctant to discuss spirituality publicly. He recognizes the universality of human struggle and emphasizes the personal nature of beliefs, with each person’s imagination and individual beliefs paving the way for what lies beyond. He said: ‘We all have dark times. One thing is certain; it is a small journey in this world. We are born and we leave. It is not a permanent place for us. We don’t know where we’re going. (It depends) on each person’s own imagination and beliefs.”
On the musical front, AR Rahman’s latest album was for Pippa, while a star-studded slate of upcoming projects keeps him busy. Sivakarthikeyan’s Ayalaan, Rajinikanth’s Lal Salaam and Ajay Devgan’s Maidaan are just a few titles awaiting his musical magic. The world eagerly awaits AR Rahman’s next sonic masterpieces as he continues to inspire and uplift with his music and profound life lessons.
Disclaimer
(Conversations about suicides can be triggers. However, suicides can be prevented.)
Call, speak and share if you are struggling with mental health issues. Remember: you are not alone!
MITRAM FOUNDATION (Bengaluru) – 080-25722573
COOJ Mental Health Foundation (GOA): 0832-2252525
SANJIVINI (DELHI) – Center 1 (Jangpura): 011-24311918, 011-24318883, 011-43001456, Center 2 (Qutub Institutional Area): 011-40769002, 011-41092787
VANDRAVELA FOUNDATION (Gujarat) – 18602662345
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