Sting Expresses Interest in Collaborating With A.R. Rahman

English musician and actor Sting has expressed keen interest in a potential collaboration with A.R. Rahman.

The 72-year-old musician, who recently headlined Lollapalooza India, shared his thoughts in an interview with Rolling Stone India.

During the conversation, Sting delved into various topics, including his memories of India, his stance on collaborations, activism, acting, and the legacy he wants to leave behind.

While discussing his plans, the “Desert Rose” hitmaker mentioned his intention to meet Rahman during his recent trip to Mumbai.

“I was gonna have a meeting last night with A.R. Rahman, but he got stuck in an airport somewhere. So it didn’t happen,” the musician said.

Despite the setback, Sting expressed optimism, stating, “We’ll meet eventually, and we’ll discuss a collaboration, perhaps.”

Sting’s initial visit to India was in 1980 with The Police bandmates Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

When asked what his experience was like the first time around, Sting mentioned undergoing a “culture shock.”

“It was so different to where I come from,” he said. I’m from the north of England, you know, it’s very grey. It’s very industrial. Mumbai in 1980 was a very different city to what it is now, there were no high rises. There was this one [Taj Mahal Palace hotel], I stayed here.

He added, “We were the first rock band into Mumbai. Everybody was enthusiastic and yelling and screaming and [it was] very exciting. I’ll never forget it. It was such a vivid memory, and I longed to come back.”

During the interview, Sting also shared that he’s visited India plenty of times outside of work.

“I’ve been here a lot,” he said. “I spent a lot of time in the Himalayas, trekking. I went to Gangotri and Yamunotri, walked from Hrishikesh. I’ve slept with pilgrims by the roadside and I’ve slept in the palaces of the Maharajas. I’ve played in New Delhi and Bangalore, and so I think I have a good perspective on India, its complexity, its contradictions and I love it. I find it very stimulating.”