AR Rahman is one of India’s most celebrated music composers. Throughout his career, Rahman has given several musical gems to the industry. He is the first Asian to win two Oscars in the same year and the way he plays with music is phenomenal. Rahman serves as the music composer for Rajinikanth’s upcoming film, Lal Salaam. For the movie’s song, Thimiri Yezhuda, he used artificial intelligence to recreate the voices of two late singers, Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed.
The use of AI in Lal Salaam has created an online debate. While some appreciate the music composer’s efforts, others worry about the music industry. However, AR Rahman is seemingly unaffected by the same, as he recently clarified his stand.
The makers of Lal Salaam recently held their much-awaited audio launch event. They also unveiled the film’s track, Thimiri Yezhuda, which left listeners intrigued.
AR Rahman praises AI as he recreates late singers’ voice for Rajinikanth’s Lal Salaam
Sony Music South took to X (formerly Twitter) to mention how Thimiri Yezhuda has Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed’s voices. The tweet read, “The mesmerizing voices of Bamba Bakya & Shahul Hameed in #ThimiriYezhuda from Lal Salaam made possible by @timelessvoicesx AI voice model. This marks the first time in the industry that a late legend’s voice has been brought back to life.” AR Rahman himself addressed the issue because netizens were debating over the track.
Reacting to the above-mentioned tweet, Rahman appreciated the use of AI. Moreover, he revealed that the late singers’ voices were recreated with the permission of their families. He wrote, “We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms ..technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right.”
Aishwarya Rajinikanth has directed Lal Salaam, while Lyca Productions has bankrolled it. The movie will hit theaters on February 9, 2024. Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth are playing lead roles, while Rajinikanth has an extended cameo in the movie.