In the music industry, it’s impossible not to have heard of AR Rahman because he stands as one of India’s biggest music composers, singers, songwriters, music producers, and musicians. AR Rahman’s full name is Allahrakka Rahman, but he’s widely known by his abbreviated name, AR Rahman.
AR Rahman was born on January 6, 1967, in Madras (Chennai), Tamil Nadu, in the household of R K Shekhar. His mother’s name was Kareema Beegum, and Rahman was known by the name A S Dileep during his childhood. His father was also a music composer, so Rahman grew up immersed in the field.
![AR Rahman](https://gemenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AR-Rahman-1024x538.webp)
Early Life and Beginnings
Rahman’s initiation into music commenced at an early age, inheriting the passion from his father, a musician himself. Tragedy struck at the tender age of 9, when Rahman lost his father, thrusting the responsibility of providing for the family upon his young shoulders. Thus began his foray into music, initially playing the piano and gradually venturing into composing.
Gradually, he began collaborating with renowned music composers in India. Until the age of 24, A R Rahman was known as A S Dileep Kumar. However, in 1989, for some reason, he and his entire family embraced Islam, and that’s when he changed his name from A S Dileep Kumar to A R Rahman.
A R Rahman got married to Saira Banu in 1995, and they have three children named Khatija Rahman, A. R. Ameen, and Rahima Rahman.
Pioneering Career
Rahman began his career by composing music for ads and brands. Later, he composed his first music for the Malayalam film ‘Roja,’ for which he received the Silver Lotus award for Best Music Composition. He continued composing music for Tamil films, which gained immense popularity among the audience.
His introduction to the music industry started with composing music for ads and brands. Soon after, he made waves in the Malayalam film industry as a composer at the age of 11. The transition to the limelight was swift, marking his entry into Tamil cinema, where his compositions resonated deeply with audiences, earning widespread acclaim.
I had an intruder while recording my next song! π½π#AyalaaAyalaa – second single from #Ayalaan releasing on Wednesday, 20th of December.
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) December 18, 2023
Are you ready?#AyalaanFromPongalπ #AyalaanFromSankrantiπ#Ayalaan @Siva_Kartikeyan @TheAyalaan βChithhaβ #Siddharth @Ravikumar_Dirβ¦ pic.twitter.com/K7HmqE8XfH
Rahman’s Bollywood debut with ‘Rangeela‘ in 1995 was the harbinger of a new era. His musical prowess found expression in numerous Bollywood hits like ‘Dil Se,’ ‘Lagaan,’ ‘Fiza,’ and ‘Daud,’ etching his name as an unparalleled maestro in the industry.
Global Recognition and Achievements
The pinnacle of his career ascended when Rahman’s work in ‘Slumdog Millionaire‘ garnered international acclaim, fetching him 2 Oscars, making history as the first Asian to win an Academy Award for Best Music. This milestone led to a string of collaborations in international cinema, amplifying his global footprint.
Awards and Accolades
A testament to his brilliance, the accolades bestowed upon A.R. Rahman are nothing short of extraordinary. His mantle proudly carries:
- Academy Awards: 2 wins out of 5 nominations
- Asian Film Awards: Nominated 4 times
- British Academy of Film and Television Arts: 1 win from 2 nominations
- National Film Award: 6 wins out of 6 nominations
- Critics’ Choice Awards: 2 wins out of 3 nominations
- Filmfare Awards: 15 wins out of 29 nominations
- Filmfare Awards South: 17 wins out of 28 nominations
- IIFA Awards: 16 wins out of 22 nominations
- IIFA Utsavam: 1 win out of 4 nominations
- Golden Globes: 1 win out of 2 nominations
- Grammy Awards: 2 wins out of 2 nominations
- Satellite Awards: 1 win out of 4 nominations
- MTV Video Music Award: 1 win out of 3 nominations
- Tamil Nadu State Film Awards: 6 wins out of 6 nominations
- Vijay Awards: 5 wins out of 5 nominations
- World Soundtrack Awards: 3 wins out of 6 nominations
- South Indian International Movie Awards: 3 wins out of 14 nominations
- Mirchi Music Awards: 19 wins out of 34 nominations
- Zee Cine Awards: 7 wins out of 10 nominations
- Screen Awards: 9 wins out of 9 nominations
Conclusion
A.R. Rahman’s illustrious journey, marked by unparalleled musical brilliance, has left an indelible mark on the world. His unwavering dedication to his craft continues to inspire generations, earning him a place among the legends of music.
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