A R Rahman, the two-time Grammy award winner, has expressed his joy over the increasing global recognition of Indian musicians. In an interview, he reflected on how Indian artists are making their mark at prestigious events like Coachella and the Grammy Awards, an opportunity he believes has long been deserved.
“Music as an industry was never recognised. When you say, ‘Oh, my son is a singer’, people are like, ‘But what does he do?’ This is still happening,” Rahman shared. However, he noted that things have changed significantly. “Now, when all these things (concerts) are happening, there are so many pockets of independent bands making it to Coachella… People are winning Grammys,” he added.
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In February, Indian-American vocalist Chandrika Tandon won a Grammy for Best New Age Album with Triveni, a year after five Indian musicians claimed the prestigious award. Earlier this month, rapper Hanumankind made his debut at Coachella 2025, marking a milestone for Indian artists at the globally famous music festival.
Rahman believes the universality of Indian music, combined with the growing interest in alternate cultures, presents an opportunity for Indian sounds to resonate with a global audience. “India has that culturally. People today are looking at an alternate culture, and if we pull up our stuff, we have an option to be liked by everyone,” he said, mentioning the strong fan bases for Indian music in countries like Russia and Japan.
As Rahman prepares for his upcoming The Wonderment Tour, which begins in Mumbai on May 3, he reflects on the evolution of concert culture in India. The musician noted that fans are more engaged than ever, with concert-goers actively participating in the performance. He likened the experience to the collective energy of a bhajan session.
The concert is a celebration of Rahman’s career, with performances of beloved classics like Maa Tujhe Salaam, Chaiyya Chaiyya, and Param Sundari. Rahman hopes that the concert will create a shared experience of “wonderment,” celebrating love, life, and the blessings he has received in his illustrious career.
Rahman’s The Wonderment Tour is conceptualised in collaboration with Percept Live and co-produced by Percept Live, Fair Game, and Jo Entertainment. Rahman will perform his most iconic hits with an immersive experience for the audience. Tickets for the Mumbai show are available through the Zomato app.
