Rahman uses AI for Rajinikanth Lal Salaam. Oscar award-winning composer AR Rahman has once again captured headlines, this time for resurrecting the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a groundbreaking move, Rahman employed AI technology to recreate their voices for the song 'Thimiri Yezhuda' in Rajinikanth's upcoming film, 'Lal Salaam.' The composer disclosed that he had obtained permission from the families of the deceased singers and duly compensated them for utilizing their voice algorithms. However, this development has sparked a divisive reaction on the Internet.
A.R. Rahman, known for his innovative approach to music, harnessed the power of AI voice models to revive the voices of Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed, both of whom collaborated closely with him on numerous chart-topping tracks. Shahul Hameed tragically lost his life in a car crash in 1997, while Bamba Bakya passed away due to cardiac arrest in 2022.
Sharing insights into the process, Rahman stated, "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 (sic)."
As A.R. Rahman awaits the release of 'Lal Salaam,' directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth and scheduled for a theatrical release on February 9, the use of AI to recreate voices has sparked a heated debate on ethical grounds. While some applaud Rahman for seeking permission and compensating the families, others deem it as 'unethical.'
Aishwarya Rajinikanth's 'Lal Salaam' is a sports drama featuring Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal in lead roles, with Rajinikanth making an extended cameo appearance. The film is touted to promote religious harmony, adding another layer of anticipation to its release.