The world of music reverberates with the extraordinary compositions of AR Rahman, the virtuoso who turns 57 today. Born on January 6, 1966, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rahman’s journey into the realm of music started at the tender age of four under the guidance of his father, RK Shekhar, a film score composer.
Rahman’s childhood was marked by the early loss of his father at the age of 9, leaving the family in a challenging situation. However, Rahman’s passion for music only intensified. A prodigy in the making, he mastered several musical instruments during his formative years.
The musical maestro formed a band with high school friends, and eventually, he made the pivotal decision to dedicate his life entirely to music, leaving formal education behind. His relentless pursuit of musical excellence led him to collaborate with various composers, paving the way for a breakthrough opportunity to compose for Mani Ratnam’s film, ‘Roja,’ which earned him a National Award.
Rahman’s foray into Bollywood with the soundtrack for Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Rangeela’ marked a turning point, earning widespread acclaim. His magical touch graced numerous Hindi films, including ‘Dil Se,’ ‘Lagaan,’ ‘Jodha Akbar,’ ‘Taal,’ ‘Delhi 6,’ ‘Rang De Basanti,’ ‘Swades,’ and ‘Rockstar,’ ensuring his continued relevance in the industry.
Beyond Bollywood, Rahman made waves in Hollywood with his compositions for ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ earning him two Oscars and a Grammy Award. Throughout his illustrious career, he has amassed six National Awards and numerous Filmfare Awards, solidifying his status as one of India’s most decorated musicians.
As AR Rahman celebrates his 57th birthday, the world applauds not only a musical genius but a cultural ambassador whose melodies resonate globally, creating an enduring legacy that transcends borders.
