Legendary composer AR Rahman has unveiled the captivating origin story of his iconic song “Khwaja Mere Khwaja” from the 2008 historical epic Jodhaa Akbar.
The Oscar-winning musician detailed the track’s unexpected beginnings, its source of divine inspiration, and its path to becoming one of Bollywood’s most revered soulful compositions.
Rahman disclosed that, contrary to popular belief, “Khwaja Mere Khwaja” was not originally written for Jodhaa Akbar. The idea was seeded during a visit to Ajmer, where a caretaker at the shrine suggested he create a devotional piece in honor of Khwaja. The caretaker noted that while Rahman had composed for Pir Haji Ali, he had not yet made a similar offering for Khwaja.
The composition itself emerged later, on a flight to Australia. Rahman was attempting to craft a romantic melody but found himself creatively stagnant. It was at this moment he decided to channel his efforts into a devotional offering instead. He personally recorded the initial version and subsequently enlisted lyricist Kaashif to write the words.
When director Ashutosh Gowariker approached him for the music of Jodhaa Akbar, he initially intended to use only a few lines of the existing composition. Rahman, however, convinced him to incorporate the song in its entirety. After hearing the full version, Gowariker was so profoundly moved that he insisted it remain unaltered in the film.
Rahman shared his belief that the blessings associated with the song contributed to his subsequent achievements, including his Oscar win for Slumdog Millionaire two years after the film’s release.
Released in 2008, Jodhaa Akbar featured Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Jodhaa Bai.
