Took permission, sent deserving remuneration: A R Rahman over AI use to recreate late singers’ voice


PTI, Jan 30, 2024, 8:59 PM IST

Source: Wikimedia Commons / File

Music composer A R Rahman has said that his team took due permission to use an AI software for recreating the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a track in veteran actor Rajinikanth’s new film ”Lal Salaam”.

The two artists, who had worked with Rahman on multiple projects before their deaths, are credited as playback singers for the track ”Thimiri Yezhuda”.

”The mesmerizing voices of Bamba Bakya & Shahul Hameed in #ThimiriYezhuda from #LalSalaam made possible by @timelessvoicesx AI voice models.

”This marks the first time in the industry that a late legend’s voice has been brought back to life,” the official handle of music studio Sony Music South posted on X on Monday.

Commenting on the studio’s post, Rahman said his team had taken the permission from the families of Bakya and Hameed to recreate their voices for the song.

”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…#respect #nostalgia,” he wrote.

Bakya, who crooned popular numbers such as the latest ‘Ponni Nadhi’ in Mani Ratnam’s ”Ponniyin Selvan”, died in September 2022 at the age of 42. He had also sung the tracks ”Pullinangal” from Rajinikanth’s ”2.0”, ”Kalame Kalame” from Vijay’s ”Bigil” and ”Simtarangaran” from ”Sarkar”.

Prior to his death in 1998, Hameed worked extensively with Rahman for films such as ”Gentleman”, ”Jeans” and ”Kadhalan”.

The ace composer’s decision to take help of AI received mixed reactions from his fans. Some lauded Rahman for embracing technology while others believed that such a move opens the floodgates for misusing technology that will render musicians ”obsolete”.

One fan wrote, ”As an fanboy for three decades now, though appreciating your ready synergy with any futuristic tech and innovations, this feels a tad odd and unconvincing, sir. Most people these days don’t even have much stronger bonds with their families even when they’re alive. In that case, how can a posthumous approval from the family stand good, sir? (sic)”

A user on X said the use of AI to recreate the voices of Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed felt like ”corruption” of their work. ”I have mixed feelings. Both of them have unique voices, and a limited but enjoyable body of original work. This corruption of their body of work with AI generated voice does two things: Dilute their body of work and deprive chances to budding singers. We expect better from you,” the user posted.

Some people said Rahman is leading by example and is advocating for the ethical use of technology.

”Leading by example.. showing the world how to do it. It’s emotional to hear Shahul Hameed after so many years in your music Sir. A combo we’ve loved, celebrated and cherished,” a user said.

Another said, ”Absolutely. Ethical use of AI is so powerful. Excellent innovation and thank you bring this forward. Looking forward to hear SPB (S P Balasubrahmanyam) soon.”

A person hailed Rahman for compensating the family of Bakya and Hameed. ”It is a good gesture to help the old singer’s family! As you have introduced so many new singers, we understand that you will continue to introduce new talents in future as well. #AIArtwork #AITECH. I am glad that u hav started the #AIRevolution in the Tamil film industry,” the user said.

Rajinikanth’s “Lal Salaam” is directed by his filmmaker-daughter Aishwarya Rajnikanth. The film, which also features Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth, will release on February 9.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

World Bunts Summit to be held in Mumbai on December 7

SC dismisses PIL seeking CBI probe into Tirupati laddus row

Salman Khan gets another threat; message sent to Mumbai traffic police helpline

SC overrules 1967 verdict holding AMU can’t be minority institution

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, editors of Kannada news portals booked for allegedly spreading fake news

Egg distribution scheme for school children under scrutiny over alleged mismanagement

India Post M’luru division to offer doorstep service to pensioners for Jeevan Praman certificate

Related Articles More

Ananya Panday wears mother’s 21-yr-old suit by Rohit Bal in tribute to late designer

Suniel Shetty ‘absolutely fine’ after minor injury on set, thanks fans for love

Shah Rukh Khan receives threat, Mumbai police file case

Kerala police give clean chit to actor Nivin Pauly in rape case

Suriya says he’s ‘manifesting’ about reuniting on-screen with wife Jyotika

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Chikkaballapur: Yoga teacher feigns death by holding her breath, escapes murder bid

SC notice to Centre on plea to include ayurveda, yoga in Ayushman Bharat

BJP wants to snatch ”Jal, Jungle, Jameen” from tribals, alleges Rahul at Jharkhand poll rally

Leopard spotted near M’luru airport, Forest Dept begins search operation

Mangaluru International Airport achieves record passenger & air traffic movement in October 2024

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.