AR Rahman Resurrects Voices Through AI for 'Lal Salaam,' Sparks Ethical Debate

In skilled hands, AI can work wonders, achieving feats once thought impossible, such as resurrecting the voices of the departed.

Renowned composer AR Rahman demonstrated the potential of AI by recreating the voices of late music icons Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for a new song titled 'Thimiri Yezhuda.' This soundtrack will be featured in the upcoming sports drama 'Lal Salaam,' starring Rajinikanth in a special cameo.

Addressing the public through X (formerly Twitter), the Oscar-winning maestro clarified that he had obtained permission from the families of the late singers and generously compensated them for the use of their voice algorithms. He emphasized that when used responsibly, technology is not a threat but a tool for creativity.

The post garnered immense attention on the microblogging site, amassing over 640K views and 9.5K likes. However, it also ignited a debate on the ethical considerations of recreating the voices of the deceased.

Critics argued that AR Rahman could have provided opportunities to aspiring singers instead of resorting to technological recreations. Concerns were raised about whether the late singers would have desired such a revival, and the potential impact on the employment prospects of current and future singers.

Some users expressed their reservations, stating that while such practices might be legally acceptable, they reside in a gray area ethically and could establish a perilous precedent. The uniqueness of a person's voice, they argued, should be protected as it is not copyrightable, and consent should be obtained from the individual.

On the other hand, staunch supporters defended AR Rahman, urging him to ignore the negativity and provide updates on his creative endeavors. Despite the controversy, 'Lal Salaam,' directed by Rajinikanth's daughter Aishwarya, is set to hit theaters in February, marking her return to direction after a seven-year hiatus