'Exotic': A.R. Rahman, Diane Warren and Rika on Their 'Electric' Collaboration

Ten years ago, Rika (Chandrika Darbari) was all of 15 years old when she sang How Do I Live Without You by LeAnn Rimes for an audition in school, unaware that that song was written by the legendary Diane Warren.

Now, the 25-year-old is pinching herself after recording a single written by Diane, and produced by none other than A.R. Rahman, inside the former’s Los Angeles studio. The cross-cultural collaboration between a rising pop sensation in Rika, and Rahman and Diane — who have multiple Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, and Emmys between them — has given rise to the hit number Exotic.

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the trio speak to us about their unique new project.

Rika, how did you connect with these two legends in the music industry and convince them to work with you?

Rika: It all began when I started working with my manager, who had earlier worked with Diane and been friends with her for a long time. She showed me a song Diane had written — this was Exotic — and was willing to give to me! The first time I heard it, it was like a bolt of electricity ran through me, and it really felt like the song was written for me. It's such a gorgeous piece, as all of Diane's songs are. 

Diane then asked me who the biggest music producer in India is, and I said without hesitation, that there’s only one: A.R. Rahman. After that, Diane called A. R., and the rest is history. All of a sudden, two weeks later, I'm on a plane and then in LA where all three of us are in Diane's studio. I am the luckiest girl in the world and still feel like I'm on cloud nine from the experience. I'm just grateful to A. R and Diane for this opportunity.

Diane, after working with the biggest of names in the industry, what changes in your approach when you work with a newcomer?

Diane: I work with anyone I think I can really help, and when I can bring something right to the table for them. Sometimes I work with an artist and I can tell that I want (the best) more than they do, which is really frustrating. But with Rika, I was super impressed by the fact that she’s not only talented, but is also going to do everything to make herself become the star that she is. She’s constantly trying to find the right song to help her in that journey.

So whether I work with an established or a new artist, it’s whatever I can do to take them to the next level; I’m able to bring my A-game to the collaboration when they bring their A-game too!

A.R. Rahman, at this point in your career, what do you look for in an artist when you decide to collaborate with them?

Rahman: I’ve known Diane for a long time and keep running into her after events like the Oscar parties, other music events and so on. She’s a prolific writer with many hits; so when she approached me to produce this song with her and Rika, I thought, why not? Usually I don’t do this, as I’m busy producing my own tunes and compositions. But at this stage in my life, it’s also nice to develop friendships and collaborations. I felt like this would be a nice experience for me and a role-reversal of sorts from what I’m used to. It came together quite spontaneously once I met them; they reacted beautifully to what I played for Exotic, and so we went ahead and finished it. 

Rika, what was your experience recording in the studio with ARR and Diane, and what was your biggest takeaway from that process?

Rika: I learned so much from A. R Rahman and Diane; even though they have decades of success, they are still so curious about all aspects of music and trying out new things. In the studio, Rahman was also recording some new vocals with me, and he really was experimental with that process. He was like, 'Don't overthink it, just do it!' And I'm quite the opposite as a person, as I like to be as perfect as I can. What I really learned from that day on is to just let it flow, to not overthink things, and it will come out of you the way it's meant to. I genuinely felt like we recorded Exotic so quickly because the song just wanted to come out. I loved every moment in the studio, and I learned so much from that time.

Do you aim to sing in Indian films?

Rika: I'd love to see Exotic in a Bollywood film! I think it has the total soundscape for it as it’s very cinematic. I do speak a bit of Hindi, and eventually, I would love to sing in some Bollywood films as well. 

Diane, what is your take on singers, songwriters, composers and technicians using AI to make music?

Diane: Well, I believe in writing songs myself. I will personally not use AI to write a song ever, because that to me is picking from what is already out there. It could be beneficial for some things, maybe arrangement-wise, but I will stay away from that as far as songwriting is concerned. I will sit and work on a melody or a lyric for five hours if I have to, because that's my creative process. But I don't want a machine to write my song.

Rika, as an upcoming pop star with a multi-cultural identity, do you have a global audience in mind when you begin the process of developing a song?

Rika: When I create music or when I sing, everything just comes from within, from my heart and soul, which is an authentic place. One of my biggest goals is to reach as many people as possible, and to be able to tour a lot of places in the world with my music. But I don't make it with that global aspect in mind; I do it because that's what my heart is telling me to make. For example, with Exotic, it's the perfect fusion of Hollywood meets Bollywood; I'm from London, but my dad is from India. I feel 100 per cent Indian in my veins, and I feel like this song is the perfect example and a real embodiment of myself. When you're your most authentic self, it'll appeal to everyone, because authenticity is universal.

Diane, after working for four decades in the music industry, how do you ensure your lyrics for a song — especially one by a rising talent — stay relevant and ring true with younger listeners?

Diane: I stay current. I'm aware of what's going on in the world of music, and I work with a lot of younger, newer artists. I try to be current and yet not chase trends; I don't believe in chasing trends, because as soon as you chase a trend, the trend is gone! You just write great songs and they will live on forever.