Sonu Nigam, the celebrated Indian playback singer, recently opened up about his longstanding professional relationship with music maestro AR Rahman, shedding light on Rahman’s reserved and solitary nature. In an interview with O2 India, Nigam spoke candidly about Rahman’s personal traits, noting that the composer-singer is highly dedicated to his craft but tends to keep a distance from others.
Describing Rahman as a thorough professional, Nigam explained that the music legend never lets personal relationships interfere with his work. He shared a personal anecdote from the recording of the first song he ever recorded for Rahman, for the film Daud, where Rahman allowed him the creative freedom to experiment, showcasing his collaborative yet independent working style.
“AR Rahman is not the kind of person to have relationships. He doesn’t open up to anyone,” Nigam remarked, adding that Rahman may have deeper connections with those who have known him for a long time, such as his old friends. However, Nigam stressed that, in his own experience, Rahman has been very private, focusing primarily on his work rather than forming personal bonds with those around him.
“He is not a friendly person. He is just into his work,” Nigam continued. “He doesn’t speak ill of anyone. He does his work and his prayer. He doesn’t behave badly with anyone. He won’t hurt anybody’s heart.”
Nigam highlighted Rahman’s detachment from gossip and public life, revealing that the maestro does not indulge in casual conversation or seek information about others. “He doesn’t know how to gossip, and that is not his drawback. This is how he is. He doesn’t want to know anything about me or anybody else, and he doesn’t want anybody else to know about him either. He is a unique personality,” Nigam added.
The singer further remarked that Rahman keeps his private life under wraps, never letting anyone get too close to him. “He doesn’t let anyone come close to him. That’s how it should be,” Nigam said, echoing his admiration for the composer’s private nature.
Rahman’s private life has come under scrutiny in recent months, particularly after he announced his divorce from his wife, Saira Banu, in November 2023, after three decades of marriage. The news reignited discussions around Rahman’s personal life, with many revisiting past interviews and claims about his reserved nature. In one such interview, Rahman’s brother-in-law claimed that the music legend has never been one for small talk or gossip, preferring instead to focus on his work and spiritual life.
Rahman and Nigam, who have worked together on iconic tracks such as Satrangi Re from Dil Se and Aayo Re Sakhi from Water, continue to share a strong professional bond despite their contrasting personalities. Nigam’s insights into Rahman’s private life further emphasise the complexity and mystery that surrounds the music legend, who remains an enigma to both fans and colleagues alike.