- Early Life and Background
Full Name: Allah Rakha Rahman
Birth Date: January 6, 1967
Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Parents: R. K. Shekhar (Father), Kareema Begum (Mother)
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Islam (Converted from Hinduism in 1989)
A. R. Rahman was born as A. S. Dileep Kumar in a musically inclined family. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films. After his father’s passing, Rahman took up music at an early age to support his family.
Musical Journey and Career
Rahman started his career by composing jingles and working with renowned composers like Ilaiyaraaja and M. S. Viswanathan. He founded his own studio, Panchathan Record Inn, which later became AM Studios, one of Asia’s most advanced recording facilities.
Breakthrough – Roja (1992)
Rahman’s big break came when director Mani Ratnam offered him to compose music for Roja (1992). The film’s soundtrack became a massive hit and earned Rahman the National Film Award for Best Music Direction. The album was later listed by TIME magazine as one of the top 10 soundtracks of all time.
Filmography – 1990s
| Year | Movie Title | Language | Movie Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Roja | Tamil | Debut film; won National Award; directed by Mani Ratnam |
| 1993 | Thiruda Thiruda | Tamil | High-energy action heist; experimental soundtrack |
| 1994 | Kadhalan | Tamil | Cult hit; known for “Muqabala”, “Urvashi Urvashi” |
| 1994 | May Madham | Tamil | Romantic drama with melodious tracks |
| 1995 | Bombay | Tamil | Social drama; popular for its emotional and impactful score |
| 1995 | Rangeela | Hindi | Bollywood debut; energetic and fresh soundtrack |
| 1996 | Indian | Tamil | Patriotic vigilante drama; “Telephone Manipol” stood out |
| 1997 | Iruvar | Tamil | Political drama; praised for its classical Carnatic compositions |
| 1997 | Dil Se.. | Hindi | Mani Ratnam film; “Chaiyya Chaiyya” became an anthem |
| 1998 | Jeans | Tamil | Grand visuals; nominated for the Oscars from India |
| 1999 | Taal | Hindi | Subhash Ghai’s musical hit; “Taal Se Taal Mila” became iconic |
Filmography – 2000s
| Year | Movie Title | Language | Movie Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Lagaan | Hindi | Epic cricket drama; Oscar-nominated; “Mitwa”, “Ghanan Ghanan” |
| 2002 | Kannathil Muthamittal | Tamil | Emotional war drama; National Award-winning music |
| 2002 | The Legend of Bhagat Singh | Hindi | Patriotic biopic starring Ajay Devgn |
| 2003 | Boys | Tamil | Youth-centric film with experimental electronic music |
| 2004 | Meenaxi: A Tale of 3 Cities | Hindi | Art film by M.F. Husain; musical standout |
| 2004 | Swades | Hindi | Shah Rukh Khan’s patriotic film; “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” |
| 2005 | Mangal Pandey: The Rising | Hindi | Historical biopic; powerful anthems and folk tones |
| 2006 | Rang De Basanti | Hindi | Youth awakening film; huge soundtrack success |
| 2007 | Guru | Hindi | Biopic loosely based on Dhirubhai Ambani; “Tere Bina”, “Barso Re” |
| 2008 | Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na | Hindi | Youth love story; breezy, relatable soundtrack |
| 2008 | Slumdog Millionaire | English | Won 2 Academy Awards (Best Score, Best Song “Jai Ho”) |
| 2009 | Delhi-6 | Hindi | Cultural fusion; “Masakali”, “Rehna Tu” |
| 2009 | Couples Retreat | English | Hollywood romantic comedy; Rahman composed the score |
Filmography – 2010s
| Year | Movie Title | Language | Movie Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Tamil | Romantic musical hit; “Hosanna”, “Omana Penne” |
| 2010 | Raavan / Raavanan | Hindi/Tamil | Dual-language Mani Ratnam epic |
| 2010 | 127 Hours | English | Danny Boyle survival film; Academy Award-nominated score |
| 2011 | Rockstar | Hindi | Ranbir Kapoor starrer; cult soundtrack with “Nadaan Parindey”, “Sadda Haq” |
| 2012 | Ekk Deewana Tha | Hindi | Hindi remake of VTV; reused some hit songs |
| 2013 | Kadal | Tamil | Sea-themed romantic drama; experimental sounds |
| 2014 | Highway | Hindi | Unique, raw musical textures; “Patakha Guddi” |
| 2014 | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Tamil | Period musical based on Tamil theatre tradition |
| 2015 | I | Tamil | Shankar’s sci-fi thriller with high-energy music |
| 2016 | Mohenjo Daro | Hindi | Historical fantasy epic; mixed reviews |
| 2017 | Kaatru Veliyidai | Tamil | Romantic war film; poetic music |
| 2017 | Mom | Hindi | Intense thriller; subtle, haunting background score |
| 2018 | Chekka Chivantha Vaanam | Tamil | Mani Ratnam multi-starrer; slick urban sound |
| 2019 | Sarvam Thaala Mayam | Tamil | Musical journey of a percussionist; rich classical fusion |
Filmography – 2020s
| Year | Movie Title | Language | Movie Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dil Bechara | Hindi | Sushant Singh Rajput’s final film; emotional score |
| 2021 | 99 Songs | Hindi | Rahman’s debut as story writer and producer; music-centric film |
| 2021 | Atrangi Re | Hindi | Directed by Aanand L. Rai; known for “Chaka Chak” |
| 2022 | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Tamil | Epic historical based on Kalki’s novel; grand orchestration |
| 2023 | Ponniyin Selvan: II | Tamil | Sequel to PS-I; praised for majestic score |
| 2023 | Maamannan | Tamil | Political drama; powerful background score |
| 2023 | Lal Salaam | Tamil | Directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth; Rahman brings emotional layers |
| 2024 | Amar Singh Chamkila | Hindi | Netflix biopic on Punjabi singer; starring Diljit Dosanjh, directed by Imtiaz Ali |
Awards and Honors of A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman is one of the most awarded musicians in India and globally. His achievements span multiple prestigious national and international awards.
International Awards
Academy Awards (Oscars) – 2 Wins
2009 – Slumdog Millionaire
- Best Original Score
- Best Original Song (Jai Ho)
Nomination:
- 127 Hours (2011) – Best Original Score & Best Original Song (If I Rise)
Grammy Awards – 2 Wins
2010 – Slumdog Millionaire
- Best Compilation Soundtrack Album
- Best Song Written for a Motion Picture (Jai Ho)
Golden Globe Awards – 1 Win
2009 – Slumdog Millionaire
- Best Original Score
Nomination:
- 127 Hours (2011) – Best Original Score
BAFTA Awards – 1 Win
2009 – Slumdog Millionaire
- Best Original Music
Nomination:
- 127 Hours (2011) – Best Original Music
Other International Recognitions
- BMI Awards: Million Dollar Arm (2014)
- World Soundtrack Awards: Best Original Soundtrack (2009)
- Asian Film Awards: Best Composer for Roja (1996)
Indian Awards
National Film Awards – 6 Wins
- Roja (1992)
- Minsara Kanavu (1997)
- Lagaan (2001)
- Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
- Kaatru Veliyidai (2017)
- Meenakshi – A Tale of Three Cities (2004)
Filmfare Awards – 32+ Wins
- Filmfare Awards (Bollywood): 15+
- Filmfare Awards South (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam): 17+
Padma Bhushan (2010)
- India’s third-highest civilian award for his contributions to music
IIFA Awards – 10+ Wins
- Best Music Director for Taal, Dil Se, Rang De Basanti, Rockstar, Guru, etc.
International Success and Hollywood Ventures
Rahman gained international recognition when he composed the soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which won him:
- 2 Academy Awards (Best Original Score and Best Original Song for Jai Ho)
- A Golden Globe
- A BAFTA Award
Other international projects include:
- 127 Hours (2010)
- People Like Us (2012)
- Million Dollar Arm (2014)
- Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016)
Personal Life
A. R. Rahman is married to Saira Banu, and they have three children. He follows Sufi Islam and often credits his faith for his success and inner peace.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ts6lh1QBtE&pp=ygUWQS4gUi4gUmFobWFuIGludGVydmlldw%3D%3D
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/arrahman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/arrahman
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/arrahman/
