AR Rahman appointed as Honorary President of Trinity Laban after announcing divorce with Saira Banu: 'When I met the...'

Renowned composer and award winning musician A.R. Rahman has been appointed the Honorary President of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, a prestigious institution based in London known for its innovative programs in music, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. Rahman, who has made a mark both in Indian and international music scenes, will serve in this honorary role for a five-year term, further cementing his influence in the world of performing arts.

This prestigious appointment comes at an exciting time in Rahman’s career, as he continues to make waves in both the global music industry and in his continued efforts to nurture new talent. The music legend, known for his Academy Award-winning scores and his pioneering work in musical theatre, views this honour as a step toward realising his vision for the future of music and performance arts in India.

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Rahman reflected on his journey in musical theatre, recalling a significant moment in 2000 when he met the legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. “When I met the king of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, he casually asked me, ‘Are you going to take the mantle of musical theatre forward?’ At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what he meant,” Rahman recalled. “But as I worked on projects like Bombay Dreams on Broadway and The Lord of the Rings in England and Canada, I began to realize the depth of his vision. It was a serious, visionary thought.”

Rahman believes that India has a bright future in the realm of musical theatre, but emphasises the importance of nurturing talent at home. “If we invest in our talent and build the right infrastructure, we can open up a whole new genre of entertainment in India,” he said. “But I can’t do it alone. I need government support, incentives for performers, musicians, and the infrastructure to support this growth. We are now at a technological crossroads where visuals can be easily generated, but nothing compares to the magic of live performance.”

He also pointed to the global success of recent Western tours as a sign of growing demand for authentic, live entertainment. “Western artists have made billions on recent tours. People want to experience real performances. The honour of being appointed Honorary President of Trinity Laban comes at a perfect time, as it also empowers me to undertake transformational projects in India, particularly through collaborations like the KM Music Conservatory and exciting future initiatives at Trinity Laban.”

Through his new role at Trinity Laban, Rahman hopes to not only influence the global music community but also contribute significantly to the development of performing arts in India. His work with institutions like Trinity Laban in tandem with the KM Music Conservatory and Sunshine Orchestra, aim to create new pathways for young talent to grow and thrive in a rapidly evolving global entertainment landscape.

“The next five years at Trinity Laban could mark a new era of global collaboration in music and dance” he said.

In the new year, AR Rahman’s upcoming mega projects include Chhava, Lahore 1947, an Indian period epic, Gandhi Series, projects with Imtiaz Ali and Mani Ratnam; in addition to other international commitments.

Mohini Dey has finally opened up about the speculations surrounding her bond with AR Rahman. She announced her divorce just after the music composer’s separation from Saira Banu was made official.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a video discussing the baseless rumours and saying  Rahman  is like a father to her.