AR Rahman opens up about battling suicidal thoughts: ‘We all have dark times…’
AR Rahman recently spoke about his relationship with spirituality at an event.
He shared how he deals with emotionally challenging times and credited his mother for teaching him how to handle dark thoughts. He also spoke about how he battled suicidal thoughts.
AR RAHMAN ON BATTLING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Speaking to students at the Oxford Union debating society, AR Rahman discussed his life and career. During the event, he discussed his approach to navigating emotionally difficult moments and acknowledged his mother’s influence in guiding him through dark thoughts. Additionally, he recounted his struggle with overcoming suicidal thoughts.
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.”
The musician also spoke about the importance of living for others, a lesson he learned from his mother. Rahman added, “When you live for others, and you’re not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life. I took it very seriously, whether you’re composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or you just smile at someone, these are the things that keep us going.Also, we have a limited knowledge about our future. There could be something extraordinary waiting for you. If you have all these things, and hope, that’s what keeps me going. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve done it all, that I’m in a repetitive cycle, and then you realise there’s a bigger role for you.”
ON SPIRITUALISM
Responding to a question about why he doesn’t talk more about spiritualism, Rahman said everyone experiences dark times and it’s important to remember that life is a short journey. “We all have dark times. One thing is definite; it’s a small little travel in this world. We were born, and we’re going to go. It’s not a permanent place for us. Where we’re going to go, we don’t know. (It depends) on each person’s own imagination and beliefs,” said the Oscar-winning music composer.
He believes this approach gives life meaning and keeps him going. Apart from composing music, Rahman also sees himself contributing to society through education and mentoring the younger generation. AR Rahman last composed the music for the Hindi film ‘Pippa’, which starred Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur.