Alka Yagnik is one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema. Her melodious songs have touched millions of hearts, making her an irreplaceable gem in the music industry. Another musical genius who has shaped Bollywood’s soundscape is AR Rahman. His compositions have an unmatched magic, and when these two came together for Pal Bhar Theher Jao in Tamasha, music lovers were mesmerized.
But did you know that Alka Yagnik once turned down the chance to sing for AR Rahman? And not just any project—it was Roja, one of the most iconic music albums in Indian cinema. The reason? She wasn’t sure about Rahman’s talent back then!
Why Alka Yagnik Declined AR Rahman’s Offer
In an interview with Radio Nasha, Alka Yagnik shared an interesting anecdote about how she was approached to sing for Roja. The album was supposed to feature her and Kumar Sanu as the primary playback singers. However, both of them rejected the offer because AR Rahman was an unfamiliar name in Bollywood at the time.
“AR Rahman was a new name back then. Nobody in Mumbai knew him,” Alka Yagnik admitted. She also explained that Rahman needed her to record the songs immediately, but her schedule was already packed with commitments to well-known composers in Mumbai. “I had built a rapport with the music directors here, and I didn’t want to cancel my prior commitments for someone I had never heard of,” she explained.
Before making her final decision, Alka Yagnik called Kumar Sanu to discuss the opportunity. His response was immediate: “God knows who this composer is. I have never heard the name AR Rahman or his songs.” With that, both of them decided to decline the offer.
Roja Became a Musical Masterpiece
Little did they know that Roja would go on to become one of the most celebrated soundtracks in Indian cinema. The album’s success catapulted AR Rahman to national fame, proving his extraordinary talent and setting the stage for his legendary career.
Looking back, Alka Yagnik admitted that she regretted her decision. She later worked with AR Rahman on multiple occasions, but she recalled that Rahman never forgot her rejection. “When I finally got a chance to sing for him, he teased me about turning him down earlier,” she shared with a laugh.
Lessons from the Story
Alka Yagnik’s experience serves as a reminder that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places. Today, AR Rahman is a global music icon with multiple awards, including Oscars and Grammys, under his belt. Meanwhile, Roja remains one of his most cherished works, proving that true artistry stands the test of time.
As they say, Daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam! (Every grain of food has the eater’s name written on it.) While Alka Yagnik missed out on Roja, fate ensured that her voice and Rahman’s compositions would eventually create magic together in other projects.
