A. R. Rahman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman in 2019
Born	A. S. Dileep Kumar (1967-01-06) 6 January 1967 (age 58) Madras, Madras State, India
Other names	Isai Puyal Mozart of Madras
Alma mater	Trinity College of Music
Occupation	Record producer composer playback singer songwriter
Years active	1992–present
Organization	KM Music Conservatory
Works	Discography filmography
Spouse(s)	Saira Banu ​ ​ (m. 1995; separated 2024)​
Children	3, including Khatija and Ameen
Parent(s)	R. K. Shekhar
Awards	Full list
Honours	Padma Bhushan (2010) Padma Shri (2000)
Musical career
Genres	Filmi Indian classical world music
Instruments	Vocals keyboards piano harmonium percussions drums guitar accordion harp synthesizer
Labels	KM Musiq Sony Music India Tips Music T-Series YRF Music Sony DADC Aditya Music Lahari Music Universal Music Eros Music
Signature

Allah Rakha Rahman (born A. S. Dileep Kumar; 6 January 1967) is a famous Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter. He is also known as ARR. He mostly works in Indian films, especially in Tamil and Hindi movies. He has also worked on international films.

Rahman has won many big awards, including two Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars), two Grammy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award. In India, he has received six National Film Awards and the Padma Bhushan, which is one of India's highest civilian honors. People often call him "Isai Puyal" (musical storm) and "Mozart of Madras" because of his amazing talent.

His journey in film music began in the early 1990s with the Tamil film Roja. He has his own studio called Panchathan Record Inn. Besides music, Rahman is also known for his kindness and charity work. He helps raise money for many good causes.

Early Life and Musical Start

Allah Rakha Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar Rajagopala in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, on 6 January 1967. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a film music composer. Rahman started learning piano when he was just four years old. He often helped his father in the studio, playing the keyboard.

When Rahman was nine, his father passed away. His family relied on renting out his father's musical instruments to earn money. Rahman, raised by his mother Kareema, had to work to help his family. This meant he sometimes missed school and struggled with exams.

He went to a few schools and even formed a band with friends at Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School. But he later decided to leave school to become a full-time musician. Rahman learned to play many instruments like the keyboard, piano, and guitar. He especially loved the synthesizer, seeing it as a mix of music and technology.

Rahman started his music training with Master Dhanraj. At age 11, he began playing in the orchestra of a Malayalam composer, M. K. Arjunan. He also worked with other famous composers and even went on world tours. He received a scholarship to study at the Trinity College of Music in London.

Becoming A. R. Rahman

While studying in Madras, Rahman earned a diploma in Western classical music. In 1984, when his younger sister was very sick, his family was introduced to a spiritual path called Qadiri tariqa. In 1989, at the age of 23, he and his family converted to Islam. He then changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman.

Music Career

Film Soundtracks

Before films, Rahman composed music for documentaries and catchy jingles for TV ads. In 1992, famous director Mani Ratnam asked him to create music for his Tamil film, Roja. This was the start of Rahman's amazing film career.

Rahman (left) receiving a platinum award at the MagnaSound Awards for his first film soundtrack, Roja, in 1992.

Rahman set up his own recording studio, Panchathan Record Inn, which became one of the most advanced studios in India. Roja was a huge success, and Rahman won a National Film Award for it. The song "Chinna Chinna Aasai" became very popular.

After Roja, he made music for many successful Tamil films. These included Bombay, Thiruda Thiruda, and Gentleman. His music for Bombay sold 15 million copies worldwide! He also entered Bollywood with the film Rangeela.

Rahman's music is special because he mixes different styles. He blends Western classical music, Indian classical music, folk music, jazz, and even rock music. His songs often have deep meanings and appeal to many people.

In the 2000s, Rahman continued to create hit songs and scores for films like Lagaan, Swades, and Rang De Basanti. He worked with famous directors like Mani Ratnam and S. Shankar.

In 2005, he expanded his studio by opening AM Studios, making it one of Asia's top studios. He even composed music for a Chinese film, Warriors of Heaven and Earth.

His music for the Hollywood film Couples Retreat (2009) won him an award. But his biggest international success came with Slumdog Millionaire (2008). He won a Golden Globe Award, two Academy Awards (Oscars), and two Grammy Awards for its music, including the hit song "Jai Ho". This was a first for an Asian composer!

In the 2010s, Rahman continued to compose for many successful films, both Indian and international. These included Enthiran, Rockstar, 127 Hours, and Raanjhanaa. His music for Kochadaiiyaan, Million Dollar Arm, and The Hundred Foot Journey were also considered for Oscar nominations.

Background Scores

Rahman is also famous for his background scores. These are the music pieces that play behind the scenes in a movie to set the mood. He uses a mix of modern instruments like guitars, cello, and keyboards, along with traditional Indian instruments like the sitar and tabla.

Some of his well-known background scores are from films like Roja, Bombay, Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, and Slumdog Millionaire. He won a National Award for the background score of the film Mom in 2018.

Young musicians from his KM Music Conservatory often help him with background scores for films like 24 and 2.0.

Concerts and Other Projects

Rahman at the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Concert

Rahman has also worked on music outside of films. His album Vande Mataram, released for India's 50th independence anniversary in 1997, is one of India's best-selling non-film albums. He also created music for the "Jana Gana Mana" video, featuring many Indian classical musicians.

In 1999, Rahman performed with Michael Jackson at a concert in Munich, Germany. He also composed music for the stage show Bombay Dreams in 2002, which was produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber. He has collaborated with international artists like Värttinä, Vanessa-Mae, Michael Bolton, and Mick Jagger.

A. R. Rahman at Sufi Concert in Dubai

Rahman has done many world tours, performing for audiences in Singapore, Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and India. In 2009, he performed at a special dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He was part of the charity song "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" to help earthquake victims. He also composed theme songs for big events like the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In 2011, he joined the supergroup SuperHeavy with Mick Jagger.

In 2012, Rahman composed a Punjabi song for the London Olympics opening ceremony. He also launched Qyuki, an online platform for story writers. In 2016, he held a concert called Nenje Yezhu in Tamil Nadu to raise money for flood relief and cancer awareness.

In 2018, he hosted a series called "Harmony" on Amazon Prime Video. He also launched India's first YouTube Original show, ARRived, to find new singing talent. In 2019, he partnered with Marvel to compose the "Marvel Anthem" for Avengers: Endgame. He also collaborated with the Irish rock band U2 on a song called "Ahimsa," promoting non-violence.

Musical Style and Influence

Rahman is skilled in different types of music, including Carnatic music, Western classical, and Hindustani classical music. He is known for mixing these styles in his film songs. He combines traditional instruments with new electronic sounds and technology.

His music is unique because he loves to experiment. He uses different sounds and voices to create a special feel. His songs often blend Indian pop music with his own unique style. Because of this mix of styles and meaningful lyrics, Rahman's music is loved by people from all backgrounds in India.

His first film soundtrack, for Roja, was even listed by Time magazine as one of the "10 Best Soundtracks" of all time in 2005. Many people, including director Baz Luhrmann, have praised his music for its emotional depth and variety.

Rahman was the first to bring 7.1 surround sound technology to South Indian films. He is one of the best-selling music artists in India, with over 150 million records sold worldwide.

Personal Life

Rahman and his wife Saira Banu at the 2010 soundtrack release of Enthiran in Kuala Lumpur in 2010

Rahman was married to Saira Banu. They have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. Both Khatija and Ameen have also sung songs in films. Composer G. V. Prakash Kumar is Rahman's nephew. His younger sister, Fathima, manages his music conservatory in Chennai. In November 2024, A.R. Rahman and Saira Banu announced their separation.

Rahman was born into a Hindu family. After his father's early death, his family faced tough times. His mother, who was a Hindu, was influenced by Sufism, a spiritual path. Eventually, Rahman and his family converted to Islam. At the 81st Academy Awards, Rahman thanked his mother, saying, "All praise to God."

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Rahman cares a lot about helping people. In 2004, the WHO made him a global ambassador for their "Stop TB Partnership" project, which fights tuberculosis. He has supported organizations like Save the Children India.

In 2008, Rahman opened the KM Music Conservatory. This school teaches aspiring musicians how to sing, play instruments, and learn about music technology. It's located near his studio in Chennai. Many of his students have gone on to compose music for films. In 2009, he started the Sunshine Orchestra, which gives free music education to children from poor backgrounds.

He also created a song called "Jiya Se Jiya" with percussionist Sivamani, inspired by the Free Hugs Campaign, to spread a positive message. In 2017, he started the One Heart Foundation to support people in the music industry. He also announced Ta Futures, a project to explore and celebrate the sounds of Tamil Nadu, hoping to inspire children to create their own music.

In 2019, Rahman performed a Sufi concert in New York to raise money for Pratham, a large organization that provides quality education to underprivileged children in India. He said it was his dream to perform Sufi music for good causes.

Discography

Filmography

As an actor

As producer, writer and director

As performer

• One Heart (2017)

Music videos

Television

• Everest (telenovela) (2014)
• Harmony With A. R. Rahman (2014)

[5 Episodes series at Amazon Prime Video]

• Syamasundara Asianet theme song (1994)
• Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2009 (2009)
• The Kapil Sharma Show (2016)
• Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs 2017 (2017)
• The Voice (Indian TV series) as Super Guru
• Vijay TV Super Singer Season 6

Awards and Honors

A. R. Rahman has won many awards for his music. He has received seven National Film Awards and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. He also has fifteen Filmfare Awards and sixteen Filmfare Awards South. The Government of Tamil Nadu honored him with the Kalaimamani award for his excellent work in music.

In 2006, Stanford University recognized him for his contributions to global music. The Rotary Club of Madras gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. In 2009, he won a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Academy Awards (Oscars) for his music in Slumdog Millionaire. He won for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (shared with Gulzar).

He has received honorary doctorates from several universities, including Middlesex University and Berklee College of Music. He also won two Grammy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire. In 2010, the Government of India gave him the Padma Bhushan, which is India's third-highest civilian honor.

In 2011, his work in 127 Hours earned him nominations for Golden Globe, BAFTA, and two Academy Awards. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Trinity College of Music. In 2013, a street in Markham, Ontario, Canada, was named in his honor.

In 2015, the government of Seychelles named him their "Cultural Ambassador" for his help in promoting arts and culture. In 2018, he became the Brand Ambassador for the Sikkim government. In 2020, he received the Pride of Indian Music award at the Zee Cine Awards Tamil.

Songlines magazine, a UK-based world-music magazine, called him one of "Tomorrow's World Music Icons" in 2011. He is also regularly listed among "The 500 Most Influential Muslims" in the world. In November 2024, he received the XTIC Award for Innovation for his VR film Le Musk.

Images for kids

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  Opening Ceremony Hockey World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 performance

See Also

In Spanish: A. R. Rahman para niños

• AR Rahman Foundation
• KM Music Conservatory
• List of films directed by Mani Ratnam featuring A. R. Rahman
• List of Indian winners and nominees of the Golden Globe Awards
• List of Indian winners and nominees of the Academy Awards
• Qutub-E-Kripa
• Sunshine Orchestra
• Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios