AR Rahman was using his name as a brand long before others in the film industry thought of it. Today, it’s common to see actors, actresses, and even directors turn their fame into a brand. They appear in advertisements, promote products, and earn large amounts of money—sometimes just for a few seconds of screen time. But Rahman quietly started this trend years ago, not just through endorsements, but within the world of film music itself.
Recently, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma revealed an interesting incident about Rahman that highlights his smart use of brand value. During the making of the film Taal, Rahman reportedly allowed a song to be composed by another musician—Sukhwinder Singh—while the final credit carried only Rahman’s name.
When Taal producer Subhash Ghai discovered this, he was surprised and questioned Rahman. But Rahman’s reply was bold and honest. According to Varma, Rahman said, “Shut your mouth. You know the truth only because I told you. If I hadn’t said anything, you would have never found out. Even if I gave flop music, people would still want it if it had my name. That’s how branding works.”
This smart thinking shows how Rahman understood the power of his name much earlier than others. It wasn’t just about music—it was about trust, reputation, and influence.
Today, it’s common for big directors and actors to let their names be used for marketing films, even when they are not fully involved. They act as ‘sleeping partners’, helping a project succeed through their brand value. But Rahman’s early use of this idea proves he was ahead of his time.
Ram Gopal Varma’s story has now sparked new discussions about how fame is used in the film industry—and how one name can sometimes be more powerful than the work itself.
