AR Rahman launches all-women band: All you need to know about ‘Rooh-e-Noor’ led by his daughter Khatija Rahman

AR Rahman is one of the most celebrated composers in the world, and once again, he has set out to make a difference in the world of music. The Academy and National Award-winning music maestro has announced the launch of Rooh-e-Noor, an all-women six-member band led by his daughter, Khatija Rahman.The unique ensemble has been formed under Rahman’s audio label, with Kannika Urs heading the project. The band aims to create a musical space where women can express their creativity freely and powerfully.

Rooh-e-Noor to make world premiere in Sharjah

As reported by The Print, Rooh-e-Noor is all set to make its world premiere debut at the Tanweer Festival on 21 November in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The event marks the group’s first international performance and is expected to be a spectacular introduction to their unique sound and vision.

A powerful team of six women artists

Apart from Khatija Rahman, the band features five other talented women, Pooja Tiwari, Sana Aziz, Shaoni Mojumdar, Amina Rafiq, and Shifa Ruby. Each member brings a distinctive skill to the group. Tiwari and Mojumdar serve as the vocal trainers, Rafiq and Ruby take charge of music supervision, while production is handled by Sana Aziz, Sarthak Kalyani, and Nakul Abhyankar.The band’s name, Rooh-e-Noor, which translates to “Soul of Light”, beautifully reflects its core philosophy celebrating women’s voices that can heal, inspire, and uplift.

Rahman shares his vision behind the project

Speaking about the band, AR Rahman said, “Rooh-e-Noor isn’t just a band, it’s a light that connects hearts. Each of these women carries the confidence of modern artistry. Their collective voice is pure, powerful, rooted, and futuristic”.Before the official launch, Rahman took to his Instagram account to drop a teaser of Rooh-e-Noor. The video shows the band members dressed in coordinated purple outfits with headscarves, representing unity and strength

Khatija Rahman takes the lead

For Khatija Rahman, this project marks a new milestone in her artistic journey. Having previously collaborated with her father on several projects, she now takes the lead in a venture that celebrates women in music.