This is how Mani Ratnam inspired AR Rahman to become a filmmaker

AR Rahman’s 99 Songs is all set to release in cinemas across India on April 16. In addition to scoring the music, the Oscar winner is the story writer and producer as well for this film.
Interestingly, when asked about what inspired him to turn writer and producer, AR Rahman revealed that it was maverick director Mani Ratnam! “Mani Ratnam once said to me that when you know how to make a movie, it’s like how you make a song.You’ve the introduction, the theme of the song, the tune and then you do the BGM. Then comes the antara and you’ve a journey that eventually comes to an end beautifully. He said that the process is like a story and it just struck me how nice it is to speak in your own language about another art such as story writing. That inspired me. I love stories, I love to study people and their lives; not just people from our Indian culture but from many other cultures as well."
Rahman has worked with Mani Ratnam, who introduced him Roja (in 1992), in 14 films over the past 29 years, and is also part of the filmmaker's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, which is presently under production. The duo is considered one of the most celebrated director-composer collaborations of all time.
99 Songs is said to be a passionate love story with music as its soul, and stars newcomers Ehan Bhat and Edilsy Vargas. The film will be releasing in three languages — Tamil, Hindi and Telugu.