A. R. Rahman

A. R. Rahman
Born	6 January 1967 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Birth name	A. S. Dileep Kumar
Nationality	Indian
Other names	ARR, Isai Puyal, Mozart of Madras
Occupation	Music composer, producer, singer, songwriter
Years active	1992–present
Awards	2 Academy Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, BAFTA, Golden Globe, Padma Bhushan
Known for	Film music, Roja, Slumdog Millionaire, Jai Ho

Allah Rakha Rahman (born 6 January 1967), popularly known as A. R. Rahman (ARR), is an Indian music composer, record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest music composers in Indian cinema and is known globally for blending Indian classical music with electronic and world music styles.

Rahman rose to fame with the Tamil film Roja (1992), which marked the beginning of a highly successful career in film music. He gained international recognition for his work in Slumdog Millionaire (2008), for which he won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song for Jai Ho.

Early life

Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar Rajagopala in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a composer in Malayalam cinema.

He began learning piano at the age of four and started assisting his father in music studios at a young age. After his father's death, Rahman faced financial challenges and began working early to support his family.

He trained under Master Dhanraj and later worked with several prominent composers in the Indian music industry.

Conversion and name change

In 1989, Rahman converted to Islam along with his family. He changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman, reflecting a spiritual transformation in his life.

Career

Early work

Before entering films, Rahman composed music for advertisements, documentaries, and television. His popular jingles helped him gain recognition in the industry.

Breakthrough

His debut film Roja (1992), directed by Mani Ratnam, was a major success and won him the National Film Award for Best Music Director.

He went on to compose music for several successful films, including:

• Bombay
• Dil Se..
• Taal
• Lagaan
• Rang De Basanti

International success

Rahman gained global fame with Slumdog Millionaire (2008). His composition Jai Ho became an international hit and earned him multiple awards.

He also composed for Hollywood films such as:

• Couples Retreat
• 127 Hours

Musical style

Rahman is known for his innovative fusion of different musical styles, including:

• Indian classical (Carnatic and Hindustani)
• Western classical
• Electronic music
• World music

His compositions often feature rich orchestration and advanced sound design.

Other ventures

Rahman founded Panchathan Record Inn, one of India’s most advanced recording studios.

He also launched the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai to train young musicians.

In 2024, he founded Orebella, a beauty and fragrance brand.

Personal life

Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995, and they have three children.

He is known for his spiritual lifestyle and has spoken about his connection with different religions.

Philanthropy

Rahman actively supports various charitable causes. He has worked with organizations like Save the Children and served as a global ambassador for the Stop TB Partnership.

He also founded the Sunshine Orchestra to provide free music education to underprivileged children.

Awards and recognition

Rahman has received numerous awards, including:

• 2 Academy Awards
• 2 Grammy Awards
• BAFTA Award
• Golden Globe Award
• Padma Bhushan (2010)

He has also been featured in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Legacy

A. R. Rahman is often referred to as the "Mozart of Madras" and "Isai Puyal" (Musical Storm). His work has influenced generations of musicians and redefined film music in India and globally.