A. R. Rahman

Born: 6th January, 1967 in Chennai, India

Biography: A. R. Rahman (Allah Rakha Rahman) was born in a Tamil Hindu family as A.S. Dileep Kumar to R. K. Shekhar (a composer for Malyalam films) before he got baptized into Islam (Sufism) along with his family.

Rahman started toying with music at a tender age. At first, he was not completely inclined to music; his interest lied in technology. When he came across the synthesizer, it was as though a union of music and technology.

At the age of nine, Rahman lost his father. Now he had the responsibility of earning a living. He started with playing the keyboard for television channels and orchestras. He then got a scholarship to the well known Trinity College of Music. He started his career with composing ad jingles and in 1991 got a big break with an offer for Mani Ratnam’s Roja. Roja got him Best Music Director Award and after that there was no stopping him.

Rahman is a complete workaholic who lives and breathes music. His noteworthy contributions can be seen in films such as Taal, Lagaan, Bombay, Dil Se, Rang De Basanti, and the list is endless. Rahman has also worked in projects like Vande Maatram and Jana Gana Mana.

This marvelous maestro has interest both in Western Classical and Hindustani music. Blessed with a unique quality of lending richness to the sound track, he knows how to bring the best out of a singer. Humble to the core, Rahman is also associated with a number of social projects. His fans are spread across the globe and he has completely changed the face of Indian music.

A receiver of innumerable awards including the Golden Globe and the Padmashree, Rahman was recently awarded the Oscars for his music in Slumdog Millionnaire. Experts in the industry observe his tracks to be original and fresh. Rahman is an innovator who knows how to strike the heart’s golden chord, which is his secret to success.