A.R. Rahman Calls for a Revolution in Indian Classical Arts Promotion

India’s musical icon warns that tradition alone won’t save classical arts. His bold vision? A unified system to captivate the world—and the next generation.

, and Administrator

2025 December 28 . 2:23 AM

1 min read

In this picture there are paper arts with some sketches.

A.R. Rahman Calls for a Revolution in Indian Classical Arts Promotion

A.R. Rahman delivered a powerful speech at the opening of the 99th Annual Conference of The Music Academy in Madras on December 15. He urged stakeholders to elevate Indian classical arts with better presentation, storytelling, and global reach. His remarks highlighted the need for stronger institutional support and investment in the sector.

Rahman stressed that Indian classical music and dance must gain wider recognition among younger and international audiences. He warned that without modern approaches to sharing and presentation, these traditions risk becoming isolated and overlooked. The composer also pointed out a critical gap: there is no unified ecosystem to support large-scale efforts in marketing, venue selection, and audience engagement.

The musician called for collaboration between institutions, patrons, and cultural leaders to go beyond mere preservation. He noted that while venues like the Ambanis’ world-class arts centre in Mumbai exist, more investment is needed. Indian Americans, despite their economic strength, currently contribute little to sustaining Indian culture. Rahman acknowledged that younger artists are blending innovation with classical discipline, using technology to preserve Indian arts. Yet, he argued, these efforts require greater visibility and institutional backing to thrive.

Rahman’s speech served as a direct appeal for systemic change in how Indian classical arts are promoted and funded. He emphasised the importance of storytelling, global engagement, and scalable support structures. Without these, he suggested, the traditions may struggle to remain relevant in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.