AR Rahman, the renowned Oscar-winning composer, recently clarified the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recreate the voices of two late singers, Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed, in the song “Thimiri Yezhuda” for Rajinikanth’s movie Lal Salaam. This decision had sparked mixed reactions among fans.
In a post on his X account, Rahman shared Sony Music South’s announcement about using AI to replicate the singers’ voices. In the caption, Rahman stated that they obtained permission from the families of the late singers and provided deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms. He emphasized that when used correctly, technology is not a threat but can be beneficial.
Bamba Bakya, who collaborated with Rahman on numerous songs, passed away in 2022 due to a cardiac arrest. Shahul Hameed, on the other hand, died in a car crash in 1997 near Chennai.
Fans expressed diverse opinions on Rahman’s clarification. Some praised him for preserving the nostalgia of listening to voices of departed artists, while others criticized the move, labeling it as disrespectful and reducing opportunities for emerging talents in the industry.
Positive reactions included appreciation for Rahman’s unique approach, with one fan expressing gratitude for the use of technology to revisit the voices of deceased singers. However, there were dissenting voices, arguing that using someone’s voice without consent raises ethical questions about ownership and consent.
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Critics voiced concerns about the potential implications of such AI-assisted recreations, fearing that it might limit opportunities for other singers and pave the way for AI to take over the industry. Some comments underscored the importance of preserving the genuine nostalgia by listening to the original songs of the late singers.
The movie Lal Salaam, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, is a sports action drama set to release on February 9. The use of AI in recreating voices adds a new dimension to the film’s musical composition, sparking a conversation about the intersection of technology and art in the entertainment industry.