Those acquainted with the burgeoning utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various facets of the entertainment industry are likely no strangers to the concept of AI-powered voice synthesis. In what can be seen as a pioneering move for the Indian film music fraternity, the Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has boldly ventured into the realm of AI-assisted music creation.
This past Monday, in an unexpected revelation, AR Rahman announced that for the song ‘Thimiri Yezhuda’ from the eagerly anticipated movie Lal Salaam, he had utilized AI to recreate the vocals of the late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed. This milestone was shared on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter.
Rahman’s foray into this technological territory was facilitated by Timeless Voices AI, a pioneering platform with the mission to immortalize the voices of iconic figures within the music industry through artificial intelligence. To ensure ethical considerations were met, Rahman disclosed that consent was obtained from the families of the singers, and appropriate compensation was provided for the use of the voice algorithms. In his social media statement, Rahman emphasized the potential benefits of technology, stating, “Technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right.”
Despite Rahman’s assurance and the novel approach to preserving artistic legacies, the reception amongst the general populace has been mixed. Social media user Aravind articulated a common concern regarding the implications of using AI-altered voices of singers who are no longer with us. In his response, concerns were raised about the current struggle for opportunities among living professional singers, as well as the ethical conundrum of posthumous consent in decisions concerning an artist’s legacy.
Shahul Hameed’s golden voice left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1990s through Rahman-composed hits like ‘Usilampatti Penkutti’ from Gentleman and ‘Urvasi Urvasi’ from Kadhalan. Hameed’s voice tragically went silent following a fatal car accident near Chennai in 1997.
Similarly, Bamba Bakya gained acclaim through his soulful renditions in songs such as ‘Ponni Nadhi’ from Ponniyin Selvan and ‘Kedakkari’ from Raavanan. The music community was left mourning following his untimely death due to a cardiac arrest in 2022.
The track ‘Thimiri Yezhuda’ is accompanied by lyrics from the pen of Snehan. Offering an energetic folk tune, the song also features female vocals by Deepthi Suresh and Akshaya Shivkumar, adding contemporary voices to the blend of past and technology.
Lal Salaam, the movie in question, is a political drama helmed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth and depicts the narratives of characters played by Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal. Adding to its star-studded cast, the film will see superstar Rajinikanth in a substantial cameo, while legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev graces the screen in a special role.
The film’s technical aspects boast the talents of editor Pravin Baaskar and cinematographer Vishnu Rangasamy. Underpinning this cinematic venture is Lyca Productions, with its release scheduled for February 9 in theaters.
The move to amalgamate the essence of yesteryear talents with present-day advancements in AI signals a new horizon in the dialogue of art, technology, and ethical scrutiny. Rahman’s step might be the forerunner of many such endeavors, where the past and future intertwine to create music that transcends the boundaries of time.
