November 28, 2024: At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman paid tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, honoring her legacy with a special memorial talk.
Rahman, who has worked with Mangeshkar in the past, reflected on her extraordinary influence on Indian music and cinema, describing her as a figure of unparalleled artistry. He recalled that “getting praise from her was very difficult because she had attained that level of perfection,” acknowledging her uncompromising dedication to her craft.
Rahman reminisced about collaborating with Lata Mangeshkar on a song for Kapil Sibal’s album and shared an anecdote: “In 2014, when I was working on Kapil Sibal ji’s album, she was not well. I waited for her for three months. She quickly recorded other songs, but for this one, she had some apprehensions. Finally, she gave a date, and I came all the way from Los Angeles to record her. I went to the studio, and she said, ‘I don’t feel well’ (laughs). So, I went back to LA.”
Further reflecting on her influence, Rahman praised her “body of work, aura, sacrifice, and dedication to the art,” acknowledging how deeply she continues to inspire artists across generations.
In addition to his tribute to Mangeshkar, Rahman also introduced a musical documentary he is producing, Headhunting to Beatboxing. The documentary chronicles the evolution of music in Nagaland, from the traditional rhythms of headhunting tribes to the contemporary musical scene, offering an insightful look into the rich cultural history of the state. Rahman expressed how the project inspired him, noting the significant cultural transformation taking place in Nagaland and the potential for its story to inspire a global audience.
IFFI 2024 is celebrating global diversity, with a record number of films by women and young filmmakers featured in its lineup. The festival, which began on November 20, will conclude on November 28. This year’s theme, Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now, emphasizes the importance of emerging voices in global cinema, and Australia is the Country of Focus. The festival also pays tribute to Indian cinema legends Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Mohammed Rafi, whose 100th birth anniversaries are being honored.
