Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya recently accused AR Rahman of sidelining live instrumentalists by leaning too heavily on technology in his music, suggesting it contributed to the decline of traditional musicians. In response, Rahman addressed the criticism in an interview with India Today, maintaining respect for Abhijeet’s opinion. "It’s easy to blame me, but I still love him—I’d even send him cakes," Rahman said. He emphasized that despite not publicizing it, he consistently supports musicians.

Rahman pointed out his recent initiative of forming an all-women orchestra in Dubai, providing them monthly employment, insurance, and healthcare. He stated that in projects like Chhaava and Ponniyin Selvan, he engaged 200–300 musicians per film. “I don’t post pictures, so people don’t see the work,” he added.

He clarified that technology helps him craft complex harmonies and avoids wasting musicians' time with unused recordings.

Rahman’s current projects include Chhaava, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Lahore 1947, Thug Life, Tere Ishq Mein, and a major collaboration with Hans Zimmer on Ramayan.

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