A R Rahman relies on AI tool to recreate voices of legendary singers. Internet is divided

Mumbai: Musician A R Rahman has recreated voices of the late playback singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a song in the upcoming Rajinikanth-starrer ‘Lal Salaam’. While the step is definitely a milestone for Indian cinema, some have questioned the dependence on AI for recreation of the voices of the departed singers. Others were of the opinion that it would reduce opportunities for the present generation of singers.

However, now the Oscar-winning music composer has issued a clarification with regards to the usage of the AI tool and the compensation to the singer’s families. The ‘Rang De Basanti’ composer took to his X, erstwhile Twitter and penned a note for his followers who questioned the dependence on AI for recreation of the voices of the departed singers.

He shared Sony Music South’s post highlighting how an AI tool was used to recreate the late singers' voices. He wrote, "We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms...technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right.”

He also added the hashtags respect and nostalgia in the post. Bamba Bakya, who collaborated with Rahman on many songs, passed away in 2022 due to a cardiac arrest. Shahul Hameed died in a car crash in 1997, near Chennai.
(With IANS inputs)