Born A.S. Dileep Kumar in Chennai, A. R. Rahman is India’s foremost musical talent. The man, who, in 2008 alone, gave us memorable melodies like Aditi, Khwaja Mere Khwaja, Dost and Guzarish, turns 43 on January 5. We trace his musical journey.
Rahman was born into a musical family and started learning the piano at a young age. His father composed for Malayalam movies, but died when Rahman was just nine. So, the family started to rent out his musical equipment.
The young Rahman, constantly studying music, was talented enough to work alongside renowned composers like Illayaraja, Sivamani, Zakir Hussain and L Shankar from a very early age. After spending time in India, he traveled abroad, earning a degree in western classical music from The Trinity College of Music in London. On returning home, he set up a studio, which he calls the Panchathan Record Inn, at his residence.
Rahman got his feature film break when he composed the haunting score of Mani Ratnam's Roja in 1991. He became the first debutant to win the National Award for Best Music Composer. The phenomenal success of Roja was followed by Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Bombay and Kaadhalan.
He burst on the beat-oriented Hindi music scene with Rangeela in 1995. His memorable albums since then are: 1947 Earth, Rang De Basanti, Zubeidaa, Dil Se, Pukaar, Lagaan, Swades, Saathiya, One 2 Ka 4 and Taal.
He scored fire marvellous soundtracks in 2008: the royal score of Jodhaa Akbar, the youthful score of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, the underrated one of Ada, the versatile music of Ghajini and the face-saving score of Yuvvraaj.
On the international front, Rahman has composed for musicals like Bombay Dreams and the Lord of the Rings and films such as Warriors of Heaven and Earth, Elizabeth 2 and Slumdog Millionaire.
In fact, he is the first Indian composer to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Slumdog Millionaire. He has won several National, Filmfare and IIFA Awards, a Padma Shri from the Government of India, an honorary award for contribution to global music from Stanford University and several other civilian honours.
Last year, he also started a music school called the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. He also runs the A R Rahman Foundation which looks after the needs and nutrition of the needy. The proceeds from some of his concerts and singles are often donated to his foundation.
Rahman's 2009 line up includes Blue, Dilli 6 and Eight By Ten. We can't wait to hear it and wish that this inimitable musical maestro continues to enrich our lives with his superior and divine music.
Rahman got his feature film break when he composed the haunting score of Mani Ratnam's Roja in 1991. He became the first debutant to win the National Award for Best Music Composer. The phenomenal success of Roja was followed by Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Bombay and Kaadhalan.
He burst on the beat-oriented Hindi music scene with Rangeela in 1995. His memorable albums since then are: 1947 Earth, Rang De Basanti, Zubeidaa, Dil Se, Pukaar, Lagaan, Swades, Saathiya, One 2 Ka 4 and Taal.
He scored fire marvellous soundtracks in 2008: the royal score of Jodhaa Akbar, the youthful score of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, the underrated one of Ada, the versatile music of Ghajini and the face-saving score of Yuvvraaj.
On the international front, Rahman has composed for musicals like Bombay Dreams and the Lord of the Rings and films such as Warriors of Heaven and Earth, Elizabeth 2 and Slumdog Millionaire.
In fact, he is the first Indian composer to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Slumdog Millionaire. He has won several National, Filmfare and IIFA Awards, a Padma Shri from the Government of India, an honorary award for contribution to global music from Stanford University and several other civilian honours.
Last year, he also started a music school called the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. He also runs the A R Rahman Foundation which looks after the needs and nutrition of the needy. The proceeds from some of his concerts and singles are often donated to his foundation.
Rahman's 2009 line up includes Blue, Dilli 6 and Eight By Ten. We can't wait to hear it and wish that this inimitable musical maestro continues to enrich our lives with his superior and divine music.
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