‘AR RAHMAN COMPOSED JAI HO, I ONLY SANG IT’
Sukhwinder Singh denies Ram Gopal Varma’s claims that Rahman didn’t compose the track
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 22, 2024)

The question of who composed the Oscar-winning track Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008) unexpectedly sparked a debate, considering that music maestro A R Rahman has always been credited for it. However, recent claims by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma in an interview with Film Companion left the internet in confusion. Varma stated that singer Sukhwinder Singh, who sang Jai Ho, actually ghost-composed it, and Rahman merely received credit.

But when contacted, Singh vehemently denies this assertion. He clarifies, “A R Rahman has composed the song; I only sang it. Ram Gopal Varma ji ko shayad kuchh galat pata chala hoga.”

Singh further explains the origins of the song, stating that it was composed by Rahman in his (Singh’s) studio in Mumbai after being impressed by the lyrics penned by Gulzar. Originally intended for Subhash Ghai’s film Yuvvraaj (2008), Jai Ho faced rejection from Ghai himself, who felt it didn’t suit the character’s evolution in the story. Despite suggestions for modifications, Ghai insisted on a completely different song.

“I was sad. I requested Gulzar sahab to stay back for 10-15 minutes. Phir maine naachte kudte gaa diya; I sent it to Rahman sahab, who in turn made Danny Boyle, director of Slumdog Millionaire, listen to it, which ultimately became the version we hear today,” Singh tells us.

We tried reaching out to Varma, but he was unavailable for comment.