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Basic Information
Name - Allah Rakha Rahman (A. R. Rahman)
Date of Birth - January 6, 1967
Nationality - Indian
Spouse - Saira Banu (m. 1995–2024)
Children - Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman, A. R. Ameen
Parents - Kareema Begum, R. K. Shekhar
Profession -♔ Music composer, singer, songwriter, and record producer
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Biography
🌱Allah Rakha Rahman, popularly known as A.R. Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar Rajagopala on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. Raised in a musically inclined family, his father, R.K. Shekhar was a composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films. Rahman began learning piano at the age of four and assisted his father in the studio. However, tragedy struck when his father passed away when Rahman was just nine years old. The family relied on renting out his father’s musical equipment for income, and his mother, Kareema (formerly Kashturi), played a pivotal role in raising him and his siblings.
ꦬRahman’s schooling was often disrupted due to financial struggles, and he moved between schools, including Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan and MCN School, before finally attending Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School. Despite challenges, his musical talent shone through, and he formed a band with his classmates. Ultimately, Rahman decided to leave formal education to pursue music full-time.
🐻In his early career, Rahman played the keyboard for several bands, including Roots and the rock group Nemesis Avenue. He developed expertise in various instruments like the keyboard, piano, synthesizer, harmonium, and guitar. The synthesizer particularly fascinated him as it combined music and technology, aligning with his creative interests. Rahman trained under Master Dhanraj and started performing in orchestras by the age of 11, working with well-known composers like M.K. Arjunan, Ilaiyaraaja, and others. He also toured internationally with musicians like Zakir Hussain and L. Shankar.
💛A significant turning point in Rahman’s life came in 1989 when he and his family converted to Islam after being introduced to the Qadiri Sufi tradition. This spiritual shift followed a personal crisis when his younger sister fell seriously ill. Inspired by his faith, he adopted the name Allah Rakha Rahman, which symbolized his newfound spiritual path.
Rahman’s formal music education includes a diploma in Western classical music from Trinity College, London. His career as a composer began with jingles for advertisements before making a remarkable debut in the Tamil film Roja♏ in 1992. The rest is history, as Rahman went on to redefine Indian film music and gain international fame with his compositions, blending traditional Indian sounds with global influences.
🔯Known for his humility and philanthropy, Rahman has not only made an indelible mark on the world of music but also contributed significantly to various charitable causes. Today, he is celebrated as a musical genius and remains an enduring inspiration for artists worldwide.
Career Timeline
1987 - Began composing jingles for advertisements.
1992 - Made a groundbreaking debut in film music with Roja.
1995 - Composed for Bombay♋, gaining international acclaim for the song “Hamma Hamma.”
1997 - Released Vande Mataram🍒, a patriotic album to celebrate India’s 50th Independence anniversary.
2001 - Scored music for the Bollywood classic Lagaan, which earned an Academy Award nomination.
2008 - Achieved global fame with Slumdog Millionaire𒅌, winning two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”).
2010 - Scored music for 127 Hours, earning another Oscar nomination.
2017 - Honored with a BAFTA nomination for Viceroy’s House.
2022 - Launched Katraar💜, a digital music platform to promote independent artists.
Achievements
Awards & Recognition
Two Academy Awards (2009) for Slumdog Millionaire.
Two Grammy Awards (2010).
A Golden Globe Award (2009).
Six National Film Awards in India.
♔Padma Bhushan (2010), India’s third-highest civilian award.
Records/Stats
🐓Composed music for over 150 films across languages, including Tamil, Hindi, and English.
Sold over 200 million albums worldwide.
Philanthropic Work
ꦓRahman is deeply involved in charitable activities. He founded the A. R. Rahman Foundation to promote education and talent in underprivileged communities. He has also supported numerous social causes, including disaster relief, education, and healthcare.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases
♓"All my life, I had a choice between hate and love. I chose love, and I am here."
♔"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand."
♍"Success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life."
Multimedia
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Facts/Trivia
♔Rahman’s first love was electronic gadgets, and he once aspired to be a computer engineer.
ౠHe collaborated with Michael Jackson on an unreleased project.
♒He worked on a UNESCO project to compose music for the “World Symphony” with artists from over 30 countries.
ಌRahman is ambidextrous and can play the keyboard with both hands simultaneously.
Impact/Legacy
💟A. R. Rahman’s influence on the music industry is unparalleled. He revolutionized Indian film music by introducing a global soundscape, merging traditional melodies with modern beats. His work has inspired generations of musicians, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to music.
Internationally, Rahman has been a cultural ambassador for India, bringing Indian music to a global stage. His compositions in Roja, Bombay, and Slumdog Millionaire♋ remain timeless, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western audiences.
ꦍRahman’s legacy extends beyond music, as his philanthropic efforts and support for emerging artists continue to shape the future of the industry. Aptly called the "Mozart of Madras," his journey from Chennai’s lanes to global fame exemplifies the transformative power of talent, perseverance, and humility.
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