Mumbai: Renowned composer and Oscar-winning musician A.R. Rahman has been appointed as the Honorary President of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. The prestigious institution, renowned for its innovative programs in music, musical theatre, and contemporary dance, has selected Rahman for a five-year term, further solidifying his influence in the global performing arts scene.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in Rahman’s illustrious career, as he continues to shape the future of music and musical theatre, both in India and internationally. Known for his groundbreaking work in film scores and musical theatre, Rahman views this role as an opportunity to foster creativity and guide the next generation of musicians and performers.
Reflecting on his career in musical theatre, Rahman recalled an inspiring encounter with legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2000. “When I met the king of musical theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, he casually asked me, ‘Are you going to take the mantle of musical theatre forward?’ At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what he meant,” Rahman said. “But as I worked on projects like Bombay Dreams on Broadway and The Lord of the Rings in England and Canada, I began to realize the depth of his vision. It was a serious, visionary thought.”
Rahman believes India holds immense potential in the musical theatre space but emphasizes the need to nurture local talent and infrastructure. “If we invest in our talent and build the right infrastructure, we can open up a whole new genre of entertainment in India,” he said. “But I can’t do it alone. I need government support, incentives for performers, musicians, and the infrastructure to support this growth. We are now at a technological crossroads where visuals can be easily generated, but nothing compares to the magic of live performance.”
Citing the global success of recent Western music tours, Rahman highlighted the growing demand for authentic live performances. “Western artists have made billions on recent tours. People want to experience real performances. The honour of being appointed Honorary President of Trinity Laban comes at a perfect time, as it also empowers me to undertake transformational projects in India, particularly through collaborations like the KM Music Conservatory and exciting future initiatives at Trinity Laban.”
In his new role, Rahman hopes to create new pathways for young talent, leveraging his experience with institutions like Trinity Laban and the KM Music Conservatory, along with his work with the Sunshine Orchestra, to drive change in the global music and performance landscape. “The next five years at Trinity Laban could mark a new era of global collaboration in music and dance,” he said.
Looking ahead, Rahman has a busy year planned, with upcoming projects including Chhava, Lahore 1947, an Indian period epic, the Gandhi Series, and collaborations with filmmakers Imtiaz Ali and Mani Ratnam, alongside other international commitments.
Rahman’s appointment as Honorary President of Trinity Laban highlights his ongoing dedication to music, performance, and nurturing young talent—cementing his legacy as a key player in the evolution of global musical theatre.
