As 'Rangeela'gears up for its theatrical re-release on November 28, director Ram Gopal Varma has opened up about a lesser-known behind-the-scenes moment from the making of the iconic track 'Hai Rama'.

Speaking to Pinkvilla, Varma shared how AR Rahman’s famously slow, introspective working style once tested his patience to the point of frustration.

Varma recounted accompanying Rahman to Goa to create the song. But the multi-day trip turned out differently than he expected. “The first day he told me he was thinking of something and would make me listen the next day,” Varma recalled.

The same assurance repeated on Day 2, Day 3, and beyond — yet the composer hadn’t written a single line. Eventually, Rahman returned to Chennai, promising to send across the finished piece from his studio there.

Only later did Rahman confess what really happened during the Goa stay. According to Varma, Rahman told him, “Next time you take me to a hotel, make sure there’s no TV. I was watching TV the whole time.” The revelation left Varma stunned — and briefly furious — prompting him to joke, “I wanted to hit him.”

However, the irritation evaporated when Rahman eventually delivered what would become one of the most memorable compositions of the 1990s. Varma said the experience taught him that “great things demand patience,” a sentiment he fully embraced once he heard the final cut.

Released in 1995 and featuring Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar and Jackie Shroff, 'Hai Rama' remains one of Rahman’s defining works.

Its sensuous mood, haunting melody and distinct musical texture helped cement 'Rangeela'as a landmark in Hindi film music — a legacy that continues nearly three decades later.