Earlier this Thursday, AR Rahman revealed through social media that he has met singer KJ Yesudas at the latter’s residence in Dallas. Sharing some pictures with Yesudas, Rahman called the latter his favourite singer since childhood. The composer also expressed his admiration for Yesudas’ research and affinity for Carnatic music.
Singers Rakshita Suresh and Shweta Mohan also accompanied Rahman to Yesudas' residence. Rakshita shared stills with Yesudas and wrote that she sang some lines in front of the man, whom she described as a “living legend”. She added that she was “still shaking” after the rendezvous. Sharing her pictures with Yesudas and family, Shweta wrote, “A blessed and cherishable morning in Dallas.”
This meeting holds special significance due to Rahman and Yesudas' collaborative history, which, while limited, has resulted in some notable songs across industries. Rahman composed music for the 1992 film Yoddha, starring Mohanlal and Jagathy Sreekumar, which marked his Malayalam debut. It features multiple songs by Yesudas, inclusing ‘Kunu Kune’ and ‘Padakaali’. Some of the other Rahman compositions with Yesudas' vocals are ‘Pachai Kiligal’ from the Kamal Haasan-Shankar film Indian (1996), ‘Nenje Nenje’ from Ratchagan (1997), and ‘Vennilavin Theril’ from Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000).
Despite the limited number of collaborations with Yesudas, Rahman’s heartfelt post reflects the profound respect and admiration he holds for the legendary singer.