Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
A.R. Rahman Responds to Ramayana Score Criticism with Steve Jobs Quote
Composer A.R. Rahman has addressed the backlash surrounding his musical score for an upcoming Ramayana project, drawing on an unconventional analogy to explain creative maturation. The acclaimed musician invoked a Steve Jobs reference while discussing the nature of artistic reception.
LSN India ·
A.R. Rahman has broken his silence on criticism directed at his musical compositions for a Ramayana-based project, offering a philosophical perspective on how audiences receive creative work. In responding to the backlash, the Oscar-winning composer referenced a Steve Jobs quote, suggesting that those dissatisfied should "go sell ice cream"—implying that not everyone is equipped to appreciate specialized creative endeavors.
Rahman elaborated on his compositional philosophy by comparing musical pieces to pickles, a metaphor that underscores his belief in the maturation process inherent in art. Just as pickles require time to develop their distinctive flavor and character, the composer suggested that certain musical compositions need temporal distance before listeners can fully grasp their creative complexity and artistic merit.
The veteran musician's response reflects a broader artistic principle: that innovative or unconventional work sometimes faces initial resistance before gaining appreciation. Rahman's invocation of the late Apple founder's ethos suggests he views critical reception as a natural part of the creative journey, particularly for ambitious projects.
The Ramayana project has generated considerable discussion within Indian cultural and entertainment circles, with Rahman's latest comments adding a layer of artistic introspection to the ongoing discourse. His remarks underscore the tension between immediate public reception and the longer arc of artistic legacy.