Indian music composer and two-time Oscar winner AR Rahman has announced a collaboration with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for his innovative virtual music project, Secret Mountain. The project brings together artificial intelligence and multicultural music through a global virtual band. Rahman met Altman at his office to explore how AI tools can be integrated into creative processes and how they can help empower Indian creators to solve generational challenges.
What Is Secret Mountain?
Secret Mountain was first introduced via a YouTube video on February 14, 2024. It features a fictional character named Luna who journeys through a magical metaverse, interacting with musicians from India, Ireland, China, and Africa. The project is part of Rahman’s Meta Band, which seeks to use immersive technologies and AI to unite global cultures through music. It blends digital storytelling, diverse soundscapes, and AI-based musical elements to create a new kind of listening experience.
Creative Vision and AI Philosophy
On his official website, Rahman emphasized his commitment to originality, saying he avoids repetition in his work. Regarding AI, he noted that while it can be a good starting point for creativity, the emotional and human touch in music remains irreplaceable.
Rahman’s Broader AI Engagement
Rahman also met Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, where he gave a live demo of Secret Mountain and explored the potential of Comet browser. Srinivas shared his excitement on social media about hosting Rahman and witnessing the project firsthand.
Other Ongoing Projects
In addition to Secret Mountain, Rahman is currently working on the music for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor. For this project, he is collaborating with Hans Zimmer, another Oscar-winning composer. Rahman previously won two Academy Awards for his work on Slumdog Millionaire.
Blending Technology and Culture
Secret Mountain aims to reimagine how music is created and shared, using AI to enhance but not replace human creativity. At its core, the project focuses on global unity, storytelling, and technological innovation—positioning Rahman at the forefront of a new wave in music production.
