AR Rahman Praises Ismail Darbar’s Musical Comeback ‘Uss

Music veterans rarely get enough credit for the legacies they leave behind, but when one legend openly salutes another, the moment carries real weight. In a gesture that has resonated across the Hindi film music fraternity, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has publicly lauded Ismail Darbar’s return to the recording studio with the track ‘Uss Khuda Se’. Rahman’s words were not just a polite nod; they were a heartfelt plea for Darbar to stay active and continue offering his unique brand of melody to an industry that has increasingly leaned on formulaic soundscapes.

The exchange unfolded in a manner that felt both spontaneous and deeply sincere. Rahman, known for his typically measured public statements, took the opportunity to directly address his peer, saying, “We need you more…” The message, simple in construction but profound in implication, has been interpreted by many insiders as a call for Darbar to reclaim his spot in the mainstream conversation. For a composer who once defined an era with sweeping orchestral works, such validation from a contemporary of Rahman’s stature is being seen as a significant endorsement of his craft and his relevance in today’s fast-changing musical environment.

Ismail Darbar’s own journey has been anything but linear. He shot to national fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with a series of albums that practically rewired the emotional grammar of Bollywood songs, particularly through his collaborations with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Tracks from that period were characterised by their theatrical gravitas, intricate classical improvisations, and a bold use of live strings - traits that were instantly recognisable. If you hummed a Darbar composition, you could usually tell it was his within a few bars. The phrase ‘musical comeback’ now attached to ‘Uss Khuda Se’ hints at a desire among his followers to hear that unabashedly orchestral voice again, one that has been mostly absent from the playlists of recent years.

Without specific release details being confirmed, the buzz around ‘Uss Khuda Se’ already carries the scent of an old-school restoration project. Those who have had an early listen or have been following whispers from the session rooms suggest the track leans into the spiritual dimension - the very space where Rahman and Darbar have often intersected in the public imagination.

Whether it builds on devotional lyricism or weaves a larger story of faith and resilience, the song is expected to function as a reintroduction of Darbar’s sound to a generation that may only know him through streaming-era covers of his older hits.

The industry’s response to Rahman’s praise has been swift and largely uniform. Several younger composers, who grew up idolising both men, have shared the post, framing it as a lesson in mutual respect. There is a broader conversation here about generational divides - how the digital era of beat drops and short hooks has gradually eroded the space for the sort of elaborate, melody-first compositions that Darbar champions. Rahman’s public show of support is effectively a challenge to that trend, arguing for a pluralistic musical landscape where an older master still has the room to explore and deliver.

For Darbar, who has often spoken about the ups and downs of his career, including professional lulls and personal setbacks, this renewed attention is as much about morale as it is about music. A nod from someone like Rahman validates not just the technical skill but also the emotional honesty of his work. The line “we need you more” reads less like flattery and more like a reminder to Darbar himself that his voice was never disposable. It is a reminder that his contribution - rooted in classical discipline yet accessible in its drama - remains invaluable to a film industry that often chases trends over timelessness.

Beyond the mutual admiration, there is a deeper subtext to this story. It speaks to the fragility of artistic careers and the importance of peer support in an unforgiving business. When a composer of Rahman’s global repute pauses his busy schedule to shine a light on a colleague’s new music, it does more than generate press. It signals to music labels, film producers, and audiences that Ismail Darbar’s name still holds commercial and artistic weight. The hope now is that this exchange does not remain a single, isolated moment of praise but translates into concrete opportunities - more film projects, more independent releases, and an album that fully realises the promise of ‘Uss Khuda Se’.

As the news spreads, fans of classic Hindi film music are, naturally, a bit emotional. For them, a Darbar tune is inseparable from memories of grandeur and tragedy executed with symphonic flair. The prospect of that sound returning to the mainstream, blessed by Rahman, feels like a small but meaningful victory for those who believe mainstream cinema has grown too timid in its sonic experimentation.

For now, all eyes are on the full release of the track and on whether this warm exchange between two old-school maestros signals the beginning of a more inclusive chapter for Bollywood music. One thing seems certain: Ismail Darbar now has the wind in his sails, and a legend who has his back. If the song delivers even a fraction of the emotional force expected, the music industry’s decision to crank the volume back up to full might just be the comeback story of the year.

Source: Filmibeat