Music composer A.R. Rahman has opened up about dealing with suicidal thoughts at a young age, recalling how spirituality coupled with his mother’s advice — to live for others — helped him sail through the tough times.

"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 pieces of advice I got from my mother," the two-time Oscar winner said while addressing students at the Oxford Union debating society recently.

Emphasising the importance of selflessness and finding meaning in life through actions that benefit others, Rahman added, "When you live for others, and you’re not selfish, there’s a meaning to your life."

He highlighted the significance of seemingly small acts, such as composing for someone, writing, helping those in need, or simply offering a smile, as things that keep individuals going.

Rahman’s mother Kareema Begum passed away in 2020. In an interview, the composer had revealed how his mother bought the mixer-recorder which he used to compose Roja songs.

During his address at the Oxford Union debating society, Rahman encouraged the audience to embrace hope and acknowledge the uncertainty of the future. "We have 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.”

"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," he said.

Rahman also shared his belief that contributing to society goes beyond music, with a commitment to education and mentoring the younger generation. "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.”