Composer A.R. Rahman discusses creative AI with Sam Altman
Despite earlier AI concerns, Rahman is now engaging with tech leaders on creative possibilities.
World-renowned music composer A.R. Rahman recently met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss how AI can help uplift Indian creators and talent.
In a post on X, Rahman shared a photo of their meeting, writing: ‘It was a pleasure [to] meet @sama at his office … we discussed ‘Secret Mountain’, our virtual global band, and to empower and uplift Indian minds to use AI tools to address generational challenges and lead the way forward.’
Rahman also visited Perplexity AI and met its CEO, Aravind Srinivas, to explore similar ideas. Srinivas posted: ‘Great hosting @arrahman at @perplexity_ai office today with live demos of
Comet browser, and his upcoming project ‘Secret Mountain’.’ The tech demos were live.
‘Secret Mountain’ is Rahman’s virtual music and storytelling project introduced in February 2023. It begins with a digital character named Luna, who reflects on digital overstimulation before journeying to a mystical realm, where she meets musicians from India, Ireland, China and Africa.
The project blends animation, music and interactive storytelling, showcasing traditions worldwide in a virtual creative universe. Good Fellas Studio conceptualised it along with Qyuki Digital Media, a media firm cofounded by Rahman himself in India.
‘At its core was a mystical world called ‘Secret Mountain’, where AR Rahman’s virtual ensemble ‘Meta band’ resided,’ the studio says. This fusion of music and AI sits at an interesting crossroads. Rahman has raised concerns about AI in music in the past.
In a 2024 interview with The Week, Rahman called AI ‘a Frankenstein of … collective stolen knowledge’ and warned against its misuse. While he acknowledged AI’s growing role in song mastering, he said composing music requires ‘a heart and a philosophical mind… It’s got a lot of love that can’t be replicated.’
Still, Rahman’s latest meetings signal curiosity and openness. By blending India’s cultural heritage with cutting-edge tools, Rahman aims to create new platforms for global artistic expression.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!