A R Rahman takes 40-day digital break to focus on Ramayana soundtrack
Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman has announced he will step away from the digital world for 40 days as he intensifies work on the soundtrack for the much-anticipated film Ramayana. The move, revealed during a recent live concert in Chennai, is aimed at helping him concentrate fully on composing and refining music for the epic project.
Rahman told fans that he will be taking a digital detox, meaning he will avoid social media, smartphones and other online distractions until the period is over. This is an unusual decision for an artist of his stature, but one that he believes is necessary to immerse himself in the creative process and deliver the emotional depth required for the film’s score.
The composer’s announcement comes as Ramayana prepares for a major unveiling event scheduled for March 2026, where the cast, crew and many key creative contributors will be formally introduced to the public. Rahman’s decision to disengage from the online world reflects the importance he places on this upcoming milestone and the urgency of completing his work well ahead of the event.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has attracted global attention not only for its ambitious retelling of one of India’s most treasured epics but also for its impressive ensemble cast. The project features Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol in pivotal roles, among others, and is planned for release in two parts, beginning over Diwali later this year.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the production is Rahman’s collaboration with famed German composer Hans Zimmer, marking a high-profile partnership on the soundtrack. Together, they are tasked with creating music that honours the epic’s timeless cultural legacy while delivering a fresh auditory experience for international audiences.
In interviews leading up to this period of digital silence, Rahman described the challenge of scoring Ramayana as both exciting and daunting. He has emphasised the need to “unlearn” conventional approaches to the story’s soundscape in order to create something truly original yet respectful of tradition.
Fans and industry watchers have reacted with keen interest to Rahman’s decision, seeing it as a sign of his intense dedication to the project. By removing digital distractions, the composer hopes to channel all his focus into the soundtrack, which many consider central to Ramayana’s emotional and narrative impact.
As Rahman begins this period of concentrated work, anticipation for the Ramayana soundtrack continues to grow, with many eager to hear how his music will complement the epic scope of the film.
