AR Rahman, Diane Warren, and RIKA team up for new song ‘Exotic’

Screengrab from BTS video


When three big names in the music world come together, fans expect magic. And that is exactly what has happened with the release of ‘Exotic’, a brand-new track created by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, legendary American songwriter Diane Warren, and rising British-Indian singer RIKA.

The collaboration brings together three very different but powerful creative forces. Rahman is popular worldwide for his ability to blend classical, folk, and electronic sounds into unforgettable melodies.

Warren has written some of the most famous songs in modern music, including hits for Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and Beyoncé.

RIKA, the youngest of the trio, has been making waves as a voice of the South Asian diaspora in global pop.

AR Rahman described the experience of working on ‘Exotic’ as “delightful.” In his words, Diane Warren’s endless passion for music continues to inspire him even after decades of her success. He also praised RIKA, calling her energy “captivating”.

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On September 2, Rahman also shared behind-the-scenes clips on his social media. “Step into the making of ‘Exotic’,” he wrote. “It’s a journey where melodies meet across cultures, with the genius of Diane Warren, the spirit of RIKA, and a little bit of my world.”

For RIKA, working with Rahman and Warren has been the highlight of her career so far. She said the collaboration felt like “a dream come true.” In her words, Rahman’s creativity pushed her to explore new sides of her voice, while Warren’s lyrics gave her the chance to express emotions in a way she had never done before.

“To sing Diane’s words with Rahman sir guiding the music, it’s beyond what I ever imagined,” she shared.

The track has been released by Warner Music India and is already available on all major streaming platforms.