AR Rahman's Secretive Creation of Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar-Winning Score

Sep 10, 2026

67 min

Sep 10, 2026 05:31

AR Rahman secretly made Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar score in 3 weeks: 'If he fires me, nobody would know'

## A Hidden Project

AR Rahman, the acclaimed composer, revealed that he secretly worked on the score for "Slumdog Millionaire," which won him two Oscars. Despite initial warnings from his agent about director Danny Boyle's unpredictable nature, Rahman decided to take on the project.

## Working in Secrecy

To accommodate this new commitment, Rahman had to quietly step away from another film project. He composed the score in just three weeks, working across New York, Mumbai, and Chennai, while mixing took place in London. His own team was unaware of his involvement until the film's release.

## Creating "Jai Ho"

One of the film's most iconic tracks, "Jai Ho," was composed after the dance sequence had already been filmed to a different song. Rahman crafted an original piece to fit the pre-shot visuals, benefiting from the fact that the actors were not lip-syncing, allowing him flexibility in timing.

## Collaborative Process

Throughout the process, Rahman and Boyle collaborated closely, with Boyle providing feedback that led to adjustments in the score. Despite uncertainties about whether his work would be used, Rahman valued the creative experience.

## Award-Winning Success

Ultimately, Rahman's score earned him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The film itself won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, solidifying its place as a highly decorated film of its time.

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