Music icon A. R. Rahman met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at his office to discuss Secret Mountain, a global virtual band initiative that empowers Indian creators and promotes the use of AI to tackle generational challenges.
Secret Mountain by Rahman is a digital, multimedia project featuring a “Meta band” that blends music, technology, and storytelling. The concept centres around a mystical world called Secret Mountain, where Rahman’s virtual ensemble of digital avatars (or metahumans) reside and perform.
The narrative follows a protagonist named Luna as she interacts with other characters and explores this unique world.
The project reflects Rahman’s belief in AI as a medium for cultural expression and his broader goal of uplifting Indian minds through technology.
Rahman has also voiced caution about AI in music, comparing misuse to “mixing poison with oxygen,” and advocating for ethical regulations even as he uses AI to recreate voices of deceased singers like Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed in Lal Salaam.
At the same time, Rahman’s traditional scores remain impactful. His soundtrack for Chhaava, released in February 202,5, and his upcoming work on Thug Life alongside director Mani Ratnam have drawn attention to his continued musical relevance even as he experiments with tech innovations.
