Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman, who recently announced his separation from wife Saira Banu, made a notable appearance at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. During a masterclass at the event, Rahman shared his thoughts on the profound impact of music on people's lives and how it can serve as a tool for emotional healing and mental well-being. Rahman spoke about the power of music to go beyond mere entertainment, addressing deeper human needs such as mental health.
"We all have mental health issues, depression. I think there is a void in all of us. That void can be filled by storytellers, by philosophy, by entertainment that heals without you even realising it," Rahman explained.
He emphasized that music can offer more than just temporary satisfaction of physical desires like violence and sex. The renowned composer also opened up about his personal journey, revealing his struggles with mental health in his younger years. Rahman shared his experiences with suicidal thoughts and how he eventually found solace through music, offering a message of hope to those facing similar challenges.
During the masterclass, Rahman also shared his personal mental health journey, discussing his struggles with suicidal thoughts in his younger years. He said, “When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts.’ That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother.
When you live.
