The Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer talks about Hands Around The World, a first-of-its-kind music project, where he has collaborated with musicians from around the world, including Ken Kragen, the man behind the historic anthem, We Are The World
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; April 26, 2020)

A R Rahman has joined hands with musicians, visionaries and philanthropists for Hands Around The World, a first-of-its-kind music and technology initiative. In a bid to raise awareness about the dangers of climate change, the global project was announced on the 50th year of Earth Day (April 22). It includes the use of an app, which will link one billion people holding hands around the world in a virtual reality selfie-chain through hologram and augmented reality technology (brainchild of entertainment entrepreneur, Neil Morgan). In an interview with Bombay Times, Rahman gives an insight into his initiative. Excerpts...

What makes the Hands Around The World project unique from your other musical collaborations?
It is not just a song or an idea — it is planting of a seed. We hope that many beautiful things will take place, when people hold hands around the world with the help of augmented reality.

Why did you choose Earth Day to launch this project?
The day seemed perfect for the launch as through this project, we are talking about the welfare of the Earth and that it must come above everything. We don’t want our children’s children to complain about the mess our generation has made with the forests and the oceans.

The project also features Ken Kragen, creator of the charity single, We Are The World, in 1985. What was your first impression of the timeless track?
I was doing ad jingles when the song released. After that, every agency wanted to do a song like We Are The World. It was a powerful song and an idea loaded with so many lessons. The beautiful thing about doing something for a greater cause is that unlikely people come together. When you’re working on a greater cause, you deplete your egos and mingle with everyone as equals.

The album is a year-long venture and will have global music styles. How did you manage to rope in so many artistes from around the world for it?
We had a very kind letter from musician Quincy Jones supporting the project and endorsing me. His letter got circulated just around the Grammys and artistes like Natasha Bedingfield, Cody Simpson and Mary Mary were kind enough to come on board. Akon has also confirmed. Many other artistes will be joining us for the second line of sessions, which are going to take place after we emerge from the pandemic.

Coronavirus has affected everyone. How are you coping with the lockdown?
In this lockdown, there seems to be a hidden message crying out loud. It could be subjective, but we need to find what that message is for each one of us.