AR Rahman reveals his nighttime work routine and early morning visits to Dargah: 'I wake up at 2:30 am and go to sleep around 7 am'

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman is known for his preference to work during the night. He has frequently shared that the quietness of nighttime helps him concentrate more effectively than the busy daytime hours. In a recent interview, Rahman expressed that the conventional routine of sleeping at night and waking up in the morning feels dull to him, and he chooses to live by a reversed schedule instead.
Avoiding Mumbai’s Heavy Traffic by Traveling at Night
Talking about how he deals with Mumbai’s heavy traffic, he explained to Mashable India that he avoids traveling during the day. He considers himself a night owl because the roads are clear at night, allowing him to go anywhere without hassle. He mentioned that he sometimes visits the dargah early in the morning and then goes back to sleep before the traffic builds up. He has followed this routine since the time of 'Taal'.
Preferring a Reversed Sleep Schedule
Rahman expressed that he finds the typical routine of sleeping at night and waking up in the morning quite dull. Although he mentioned that he has been sleeping at night recently, he considers this schedule boring for his lifestyle. He usually wakes up at 2:30 am and goes to sleep around 7 am, which suits him better than the conventional routine.
Learning the Importance of Riyaz from Lata Mangeshkar
During the same interview, Rahman shared how he learned the importance of riyaz (practice) from the late Lata Mangeshkar. He recalled attending a concert in 2006 organized by Lata Ji’s foundation in Hyderabad, where he heard someone practicing before the show. To his surprise, it was Lata Ji herself rehearsing with a harmonium. Initially, he wondered why someone of her stature needed to practice, but this experience made him realize the value of consistent preparation. Inspired by her dedication, Rahman began incorporating riyaz into his own routine, now practicing for about 30 to 40 minutes regularly.