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Exclusive | A.R. Ameen on 'Bheegi Bheegi' and The Best Bit of Advice His Father Has Given Him
Singer-composer A.R. Ameen speaks about his new venture, the independent music scene in India and stepping out of his superstar dad’s shadow.
Some still remember him as the little kid who stunned audiences 11 years ago with his rendition of "Maula Wa Sallim" in Mani Ratnam’s O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), introducing the world to a fledgling young talent: none other than A.R. Rahman’s son.
A decade on, A.R Ameen is all grown up and ready to embark on his own musical journey with "Bheegi Bheegi," that brings together Ameen and Jasleen Royal on vocals for a composition by A.R. Rahman. The music video also features Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur as lovers connected across alternate realities, moving from retro settings to a futuristic dystopia, with the visual narrative mirroring the emotional sweep of the song.
The song marks the launch of Rooh Records, a new joint venture between Rahman, Ameen, and Warner Music India, conceived as a platform for new sounds, new voices, and new-age storytelling, blending emotional depth with global production and cinematic scale.
In an exclusive interview, the normally-reclusive Ameen talks to The Hollywood Reporter India about his new venture, the independent music scene in India and stepping out of his superstar dad’s shadow.
Let’s start with Rooh Records; what was the idea behind starting this label and how did Bheegi Bheegi become the first project under this banner?
The word “Rooh” means soul. I wanted to start a label where I could make music I truly like and have creative freedom, build it slowly and make it strong so it lasts long rather than creating hype that fades away. "Bheegi Bheegi" was a fantastic collaborative experience with my dad; it has Afrobeat influences, lyrics by Irshad Kamil, and someone brilliant like Sunny M.R. producing the music. We were quick in the actual making of the song, but aligning the whole project took almost a year, so it was a long wait.
Working on this song was special and very close to my heart. It’s my favourite song so far! Maula Wa Sallim was spiritual and different, but "Bheegi Bheegi" helped me understand the effort needed to deliver a quality song and the challenges involved, including delays. It also reflects the kind of music I want to create: emotional, cinematic, and timeless. Now I’m leaving it to the universe.
What’s the plan going forward with Rooh? Should we expect more singles from you, new artists, collaborations, or other projects?
I want to release more music gradually and announce things step by step. The idea behind Rooh is to introduce new people, collaborate with artists, and also include my dad’s music. It’s meant to be a collective and curated platform.
We’ve followed your journey since you first sang with your dad and appeared on stage as a child. Since then, you’ve done playback singing, independent music, and now you’re experimenting with new genres. Do you think it’s important to establish a specific musical identity?
I’m leaving it to God and moving forward without looking back. I just want to follow my own path, whether I succeed or fail.
There’s also talk about your debut as a composer in Tamil cinema.
Right now, I’m focusing on independent music. I’ve received a few offers, but I want to build my indie work first before moving into films.
Tamil independent music has grown significantly in recent years. Today, artists need to appear on camera and promote themselves publicly, unlike earlier times when composers remained behind the scenes. Has adapting to this public-facing aspect been challenging?
It’s good that the Tamil indie scene is growing. But regardless of appearances, music is what connects. Yes, times are changing — earlier even producing sounds took much longer, while now technology makes everything faster. We should stay true to our musical taste instead of simply following trends.
As a Gen-Z musician and someone already in the spotlight because of your father, you are more susceptible to criticism. How do you deal with that?
It’s part and parcel of the music industry, and it also means I need to be self-critical.
Who are the musicians you would like to collaborate with?
In India, I’d love to work with Anuv Jain. In Tamil, there are many talented underground musicians, even those without major followings, and I’d love to collaborate with them too.
Could we also see you collaborate with your sisters in the future?
Khatija has said she wants to collaborate with me! So, by God’s grace, we’ll definitely do something together.
What is your next project going to be?
It will be under Rooh Records.
Do you have a favourite soundtrack or album by your dad that you keep revisiting?
Right now. I’m hooked onto the Tere Ishk Mein soundtrack. Apart from that, it’s the Rockstar album always for me… it’s absolutely timeless.
Finally, what’s the best bit of advice your father has given you that has helped you in your career?
To be honest with yourself. He also says we shouldn’t just follow what people like but also give them something new.