KHATIJA RAHMAN is interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN about her musical journey, the creative process, and the power of silence in music. Drawing inspiration from diverse experiences and collaborations, Khatija shares her insights on the transformative power of music and the importance of finding stillness amidst the chaos.
Q: Could you tell us about your journey into music? Was there a particular moment when you realized music was your calling?
KR: When we were young, we were taught the classics in music classes. But it wasn’t until I took a break for seven years that I realized the true healing power of music. Before that, I didn’t understand its importance.
As I grew older, I came to understand that art is what keeps us going. Amidst all the chaos, art keeps me sane. There isn’t one particular moment I can point to when I realized my calling. People often say, “This song healed me,” or “That song made a difference,” and in those moments, you feel your purpose is fulfilled. That’s how I found my calling.
Q: How do you approach the creative process when working on a song or a musical composition? Is there a particular inspiration that drives you?
KR: I’m just one movie old. The director’s vision, the visuals, and sometimes just looking at a face inspires me. There are various forms of inspiration. The film’s story can drive me, if it’s done with sincerity and made with vision and purpose. The story of the film itself will push me to create a melody.
Q: You’ve worked on a variety of projects. What has been your most memorable collaborative composition or song so far, and why?
KR: The performance at the Dubai Expo in 2021, in honor of World Children’s Day. That was a memorable moment. The support from all the women on the team made it even more special. I had stage fear, but they were incredibly supportive and really had my back. It felt like a sisterhood, and I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. It was my first performance with a live orchestra, so it was surreal.
Q: What role do you believe music plays in bringing people together, especially now when the world feels so divided and polarized?
KR: When I listen to qawwalis1, there’s a deep sense of spirituality. But it’s not just qawwalis; when I listen to certain bhajans and choirs from the church—anything that’s done with a devotional intent and spiritual vibes—it has a powerful impact. It’s the energy behind it, the prayer and devotion in the music. I truly believe music connects people.
As I grew older, I came to understand that
art is what keeps us going.
Amidst all the chaos, art keeps me sane.
Music is a universal language. We can’t differentiate based on where we come from or our nationalities. It’s all about the work and the shared experience. Suddenly, we’re all in sync. It doesn’t matter where the person is from. Yet, even in this, there are forces trying to create divisions, which is quite sad.
Q: You received the best debut music director of the year 2024 for Minmini. How was that? What has been the learning from that, and what can you share for inspiration, for the success of others?
KR: It was my first time working as a composer on a film and I had a really great team. It was overwhelming, especially since there was a certain quality that had to be delivered. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the team and the director. That entire journey was very spiritual for me, and it was healing. I was going through some personal challenges, and the film itself was about healing, spirituality, and similar themes. While the characters in the film were healing and going through their own spiritual journeys, I was going through the same journey in parallel. That film, which was my first as a music composer, will always be memorable for me.
Q: Heartfulness talks about the power of silence, and the power of meditation. How do you perceive the relationship between silence and music, and how does silence play a role in your creative process?
KR: Silence is very important in music as well. There should be spaces, gaps; it shouldn’t always be filled with music. From a professional standpoint, that’s the advice we receive from senior musicians. In film, a lot of the music is cut, and I’m actually happy about it, because it allows for breathing space. A track can’t have a constant background score, right?
Similarly, in life, silence is essential. It’s the time you take for yourself, it’s important. In a world where we’re constantly hustling, quiet time matters. It is also what Heartfulness teaches. I believe 10 to 15 minutes of meditation every day is crucial. That silence gives me the space to be with myself, without distractions. It helps set the tone for the rest of the day. I’m constantly on the phone for work or with my music, so those few moments of silence and meditation are truly invigorating.
I believe 10 to 15 minutes of meditation every day is crucial.
That silence gives me the space to be with myself, without
distractions. It helps set the tone for the rest of the day. I’m
constantly on the phone for work or with my music, so those few
moments of silence and meditation are truly invigorating.
Khatija Rahman
Khatija made her debut as a film composer with Minmini in 2024, winning the Best Debut Music Director award. Active since 2010, she’s known for blending ... Read More
