22 October,2026 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AR Rahman and Ranbir Kapoor pic via Instagram
Music legend AR Rahman's association with the much-awaited Ramayana has an intriguing backstory. At the film's album launch in Chennai on October 21, the composer recalled recieving an email over a decade ago from a man who claimed to have dreamt of him composing music for the mythological saga. Now, as he collaborates with Hans Zimmer for the upcoming adaptation, the decade-old message has come full circle.
Recalling the incident, AR Rahman told the audience that a man named Sathish had emailed him in 2014 with details of his dream. "There is something I wanted to share. In 2014, a gentleman called Sathish manifested that I would be composing the music for Ramayana," he said before reading the email.
The email read: "You appeared in my dream early in the morning. I believe it will come true. You were doing musical shows throughout India and the world, presenting the great epic Ramayana."
AR Rahman is now associated with Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, a two-part adaptation of Valmiki's epic. He is joining hands with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to curate the music for the ambitious project.
Yash, who was also present at the event, spoke about his admiration for Rahman. "All of us are huge fans of AR Rahman sir. I learnt Tamil because of his songs. I used to dance to songs from Gentleman. Your contribution to the Tamil industry is massive," Yash said.
He further explained why Rahman's music holds a special place in his heart, saying, "If I hear Tamil songs in Hindi, I feel something is missing. I am happy that you are composing the music for Ramayana and that I am able to perform to it," the actor added.
The actor also expressed being grateful to be able to perform in a film featuring the legendary composer's work. "When I played Ravana, a lot of people said why do you want to play Ravana? ' because at the end of the day it's the most hated, we all know. But what I can say is we all are playing a role. And everywhere there are different energies. And this song gave me that energy and I think while playing Ravana I heard Shiva song, and Thank you sir (thanking AR Rahman), you have given me a wonderful song, I used to listen to a lot of Shiva songs, now I listen to this Shiva Tandava and I think I can take energy," he said.
Meanwhile, Ramayana: Part 1 is slated to release worldwide in theatres on November 5, 2026. The cast includes Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman.
