AR Rahman uses AI to recreate voices of late singers for 'Lal Salaam'; says 'we took permission and sent remuneration'

A R Rahman has opened up about using AI for recreating voices of famed late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed for the upcoming film 'Lal Salaam'

Music maestro AR Rahman's latest song 'Thimiri Yezhuda' from Rajinikanth-starrer 'Lal Salaam' features voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed. Wondering how is it possible? Well, don't be surprised as we are living in the age of AI.

Rahman in a post on X admitted using AI. He also shared that he took permission from the families of the late singers' to use their voices for the track.

"We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms ..technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right...(folded hands emoticon)," Rahman wrote. He also added the hashtags respect and nostalgia in the post.

We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms ..technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right…#respect #nostalgia 🙏 https://t.co/X2TpRoGT3l

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) January 29, 2024

While some liked the use of AI in 'Thimiri Yezhuda' song, there's a section of society that called out the makers for this move and said he could have given an opportunity to aspiring singers.

Singer Bamba Bakya who died in 2022 due to a cardiac arrest had collaborated with Rahman on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, Shahul Hameed died in a car crash in 1997, near Chennai. 

Netizen reaction: 

While AR Rahman issued a clarification on the use of AI for music, netizens gave mixed response to his post. Check out some of the reactions:

"Technology when in safe hands, it can work wonders. Thanks to you Thalaivaa for taking the first step yet again to show how it should be done. Keep bringing back many many more timeless voices back to life."

"Whatever kind of power, the intent with which it is used is of utmost importance. Kudos for this @arrahman sir. Always a pioneer."

"Stop using AI to recreate anything that has to do with dead people. We say "Rest In Peace" for a reason. You gotta let them rest in peace nobody cares who's getting paid. It's unethical because you can't have their CONSENT."

"There is a reason why voice is not copyrightable - it’s the identity of the person, and only the individual can give consent to use it. What you have done is legal but unethical. It’s a dangerous precedent and opens a pandora box of deepfaking. It’s not the right way to use tech."

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