Khatija Rahman, daughter of renowned composer A.R. Rahman, is making her debut as a music director with the upcoming film Minmini, directed by Halitha Shameem. The trailer and audio launch event for the film, set to release in August, was held recently.
At the event, Khatija expressed her initial disbelief at the opportunity. “Halitha ma’am approached me for this film in 2022. She liked my music and was clear about what she wanted, which made it easier for me to work with her,” she said. Khatija also acknowledged the support she received from the crew and expressed openness to feedback from the audience.
Director Halitha Shameem revealed the unique production process of Minmini. “We didn’t start shooting with the intention of waiting for the children to grow up. But their sincere performances as children made us decide to wait for them to portray their grown-up versions,” she explained.
The film, starring Esther Anil, Pravin Kishore, and Gaurav Kaalai, was shot in two phases – 2015 and 2022. This approach allowed the child actors to mature and reprise their roles as adults, lending continuity to the narrative.
Addressing the inevitable comparisons to her father, Khatija shared in a separate interview that A.R. Rahman advised her to “find her own sound.” She also mentioned facing initial self-doubt and “imposter syndrome” due to online criticism but stated that it ultimately strengthened her resolve to prove herself.
Manoj Paramahamsa, the film’s cinematographer and co-producer, emphasized the project’s artistic intentions. “I did not make this film with the intention of making a profit. It was the desire to give a good film,” he said.
Minmini is produced by Stage Unreal, Baby Shoe Productions, and Anchor Bay Studios. The film has been shot in various locations including Chennai, Ooty, and Ladakh.
As the seventh member of her family to become a composer, Khatija’s debut marks another chapter in the Rahman family’s musical legacy. However, she expressed a desire to establish her own identity, stating, “I want to be my own person first.”