AR Rahman has opened up about spirituality and mental health.

Recently, while speaking with the students of the Oxford Union debating society, the award winning composer revealed that he once dealt with suicidal thoughts at a young age.

He adds that it was his mother, Kareema Begum, who helped him.

According to a report on India Today, Rahman said, “When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts’. That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother. When you live for others, and you’re not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life.”

He adds that he continued to use this advice: “I took it very seriously, whether you’re composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or you just smile at someone, these are the things that keep us going.Also, we have a limited knowledge about our future. There could be something extraordinary waiting for you. If you have all these things, and hope, that’s what keeps me going. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve done it all, that I’m in a repetitive cycle, and then you realise there’s a bigger role for you.”

Rahman shared a close bond with his mother, who passed away in 2020.

Regarding his spirituality, he said, “We all have dark times. One thing is definite; it’s a small little travel in this world. We were born, and we’re going to go. It’s not a permanent place for us. Where we’re going to go, we don’t know. (It depends) on each person’s own imagination and beliefs.”