A. R. Rahman, An Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist

Allah Rakha Rahman, widely recognized by his professional name A. R. Rahman, was born A. S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India. He is a globally acclaimed Indian film composer, record producer, singer, and songwriter, predominantly known for his transformative work in Tamil and Hindi cinema. Rahman's prolific career spans over three decades, establishing him as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

His exceptional contributions to music have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, both nationally and internationally. In 2010, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the nation's third-highest civilian award, recognizing his monumental impact on Indian arts and culture.

Rahman's impressive collection of awards includes:

Before his breakthrough in film scoring, Rahman honed his skills by composing scores for various documentaries and creating memorable jingles for prominent Indian advertisements and television channels. This early work allowed him to experiment with diverse musical styles and build a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Rahman's illustrious film-scoring career officially began in the early 1990s from his in-house studio, Panchathan Record Inn. His debut as a film composer for the 1992 Tamil film Roja, directed by Mani Ratnam, marked a turning point in Indian cinema music. The film's soundtrack was revolutionary, introducing a fresh, contemporary sound that captivated audiences nationwide and set new benchmarks for film scores.

Following the immense success of Roja, Rahman composed for several other groundbreaking Tamil language films, further cementing his status as a musical innovator:

Rahman's talent soon transcended national borders, leading him to Hollywood. His score for his debut Hollywood film, the comedy Couples Retreat (2009), earned him a prestigious BMI Award for Best Score, highlighting his versatility across different cinematic genres.

His international fame skyrocketed with his music for Danny Boyle's critically acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire (2008). This monumental work earned him two Academy Awards at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony in 2009: one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song for the global hit "Jai Ho." The success continued at the 2010 Grammy Awards, where he received two more accolades for Slumdog Millionaire: Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, and Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Jai Ho."

Affectionately known as "Isai Puyal" (Musical Storm) by his fans in Tamil Nadu and often referred to as "Mozart of Madras" by the media, Rahman's contributions extend beyond composing. He is also a dedicated humanitarian and philanthropist, actively involved in donating and raising funds for various causes and charities. He founded the K.M. Music Conservatory in Chennai, an institution dedicated to imparting comprehensive music education based on both Indian and Western traditions.

Throughout his career, Rahman has been recognized with numerous special honors:

In 2017, Rahman ventured into a new creative domain, making his debut as a director and writer for the groundbreaking virtual reality film Le Musk, showcasing his continuous exploration of innovative artistic expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions about A. R. Rahman

What is A. R. Rahman's birth name?
A. R. Rahman's birth name is A. S. Dileep Kumar. He later converted to Islam and adopted the name Allah Rakha Rahman.
When did A. R. Rahman start his film scoring career?
A. R. Rahman began his film scoring career in the early 1990s, with his breakthrough coming in 1992 with the Tamil film Roja.
For which film did A. R. Rahman win his Academy Awards?
A. R. Rahman won two Academy Awards in 2009 for his work on the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, specifically for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Jai Ho").
What are some of A. R. Rahman's nicknames?
A. R. Rahman is popularly known as "Isai Puyal" (Musical Storm) and "Mozart of Madras."
Beyond music, what are A. R. Rahman's other notable contributions?
Beyond his music, A. R. Rahman is a noted humanitarian and philanthropist. He founded the K.M. Music Conservatory in Chennai, dedicated to music education, and actively supports various charitable causes. He also made his directorial debut with the VR film Le Musk.