A. R. Rahman at 59: Charting Three Major Creative Vectors for 2026

January 6, 2026, marked the 59th birthday of the celebrated composer A. R. Rahman. Far from signaling a pause, this milestone appears to be the launchpad for a particularly dynamic new creative season. The maestro is currently navigating three significant and distinct professional streams: major motion picture scoring, an unexpected foray into acting, and a continuing global live performance initiative.

The first major confirmation of his upcoming endeavors arrived on his birthday. Producer Namit Malhotra shared a studio photograph featuring both A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, unequivocally confirming their collaboration on the soundtrack for the epic project, Ramayana. This film, helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari, is slated for a Diwali 2026 release and is widely touted as one of the most ambitious undertakings in modern Indian cinema.

Rahman himself acknowledged the logistical complexities involved in aligning the schedules of two Oscar-winning composers. Despite the tight timetables, he noted that the work commenced on a high note, describing the process as already memorable. This cross-continental musical partnership sets a towering expectation for the film’s sonic landscape.

Adding an element of surprise to his portfolio, Rahman is set to make his acting debut. He will appear in the comedy feature titled Moon Walk / Moonwalk, directed by Manoj N. S. Reports suggest a summer 2026 premiere for the film. In this project, the composer takes on a distinct, somewhat self-referential role—that of an eccentric, or perhaps in some accounts, a “grumpy young” film director.

Even more noteworthy for his fans is the musical aspect accompanying this debut: for the very first time in his career, Rahman has provided the vocals for all five tracks featured on the film’s soundtrack. This move showcases a significant expansion of his artistic expression beyond the conductor’s podium and the composer’s desk.

Simultaneously, Rahman’s international concert series, The Wonderment Tour, continues to evolve. This venture is designed not merely as a recital of hits, but as an immersive synthesis of advanced sound design, cutting-edge visuals, and technology. The Indian leg of this tour is firmly scheduled for 2026, notably marking his return to Kolkata after a thirteen-year hiatus. While specific dates are still being finalized, several announcements point toward January 2026, with January 11th frequently cited, though venue specifics are pending confirmation in some reports.

Furthermore, Rahman’s enduring relevance in contemporary listening habits was underscored by data emerging from Spotify Wrapped 2025 compilations. He consistently appeared among the most-streamed artists in India, often cited at the fourth position. While this data stems from user-generated posts rather than an official Spotify press release, it serves as a potent indicator of his cultural currency. His music remains deeply embedded in daily playlists, proving he is far more than just a figure of cinematic legacy.

Collectively, these ventures paint a picture of a master in constant motion. A. R. Rahman is not resting on his laurels; instead, he is actively forging new frontiers—from scoring monumental epics and stepping in front of the camera, to redefining the future of the live concert experience.