A.R. Rahman: The Mozart of Madras

• Prime Post remembering Rehman’s music greatness on the occasion of his Birthday on January 6

A.R. Rahman is a towering figure in global music, a multi-award-winning composer, and a visionary who fundamentally redefined the sound of Indian cinema. From his humble beginnings in Chennai to the stages of the Academy Awards, his journey is one of spiritual depth, technical mastery, and creative revolution.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born A.S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Rahman was immersed in music from birth. His father, R.K. Shekhar, was a respected composer and conductor in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. Tragedy struck when Rahman was only nine years old; his father’s passing forced the young prodigy to enter the workforce early to support his mother, Kareema Begum, and his siblings. By age 11, he was playing keyboards professionally in orchestras, honing a craft that had begun with piano lessons at age four.

Education and the “Jingle” Era

Rahman’s technical foundation is a blend of traditional mentorship and formal Western education. He trained under Master Dhanraj and collaborated with legends like M.S. Viswanathan and Ilayaraja. He earned a diploma in Western Classical Music from Trinity College, London. Before entering films, he composed over 300 advertising jingles, establishing a reputation for creating catchy, versatile, and high-quality sounds in a condensed format.

Spiritual Transformation

In his 20s, following a period of personal and family crisis, Rahman and his family were inspired by Sufi teachings and converted to Islam. He adopted the name Allah Rakha Rahman. This spiritual shift profoundly influenced his music, which often carries themes of peace, devotion, and universal love.

A Revolutionary Film Career

Rahman’s entry into film music changed the industry forever. He surprised the film goers with 1992 film Roja. His debut score blended Indian classical melodies with electronic and global sounds, earning him instant national fame.  The1990s and  2000s witnessed the “Rahman Wave” with the hits like Bombay, Rangeela, Taal, Lagaan, Dil Se, and Guru cemented him as the premier composer for both Tamil and Hindi cinema.  In 2008 Slum dog Millionaire and his global breakthrough, introducing “Jai Ho” to the world and bridging the gap between Bollywood and Hollywood. |

Global Recognition and Awards

Rahman is one of the world’s most decorated living composers. His trophy cabinet includes, two Academy Awards (Oscars), for best Original Score and Best Original Song Jai Ho., two Grammy Awards, Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards. The Padmashri (2000) and Padma Bhushan (2010).

The Rahman Legacy

Rahman was married to Saira Banu, with whom he shares three children: daughters Khatija and Rahima, and son Ameen. Recent reports have indicated that after many years of marriage, the couple has decided to separate. A.R. Rahman is considered iconic because he broke the traditional mold of film music. By integrating synthesizers, world music rhythms, and sophisticated arrangements with soulful Indian melodies, he created a “global sound” that resonates across borders. He remains a primary influence for aspiring musicians and a symbol of India’s creative excellence on the world stage.

Vidyasagar Chaturvedula

Principal Correspondent, Prime Post

Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.