A R Rahman is a legendary composer and musician who has developed his unique songwriting talents and music skills. He is sometimes referred to as the “Mozart of Madras,” and he has a very touching and inspiring story. By his birthday we give a few of his lesser-known moments that unearth about the guy behind the music.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Rahman is known as A. S. Dileep Kumar, and he was born January 6, 1967 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was the son of R. K. Shekhar, an acclaimed film-score composer and conductor for South Indian films. Being raised in a musically-infused setting, young Dileep Kumar had a passion for music. Rahman's tragic turning point in life came when his father died when he was nine years old. And so he shoulders a big part of that loss, as he needs to contribute to support his family and put that on the table. Rahman dove headfirst into music studies, learning tons of instruments and technology. In short order, his dedication and skill radiated, and the seeds of his future musical career formed. In the beginning, he was used to playing keyboards and providing arrangements for recording sessions, which helped him develop these skills and a good sense of varying styles into something new.
Transformation and Name Change
Dileep Kumar became a member of Islam at the age of 23 and was known as Allah Rakha Rahman or simply A R Rahman. It’s a spiritual transition that had profound effects on his work in music and in life at large. Rahman says his faith gave him emotional peace and wisdom and inspired him in profound ways.
Multi-Instrumentalist and Composer
Rahman is a great multi-instrumentalist as well as a great composer. He has multiple musical instruments such as piano, keyboard, harmonium, guitar and traditional Indian percussion instruments such as tabla and mridangam. That wide-ranging instrumental knowledge allows him to craft intricate layers in his music and play with sounds that hybridize elements of Indian classical into international music styles. He mixes foreign sound with Indian classical music in combination of electronic tunes, works in Indian orchestral music, global world music, opera and with all that's indigenous classical-- this is his main style. The fusion makes each one of these compositions not simply an instant hit with audiences worldwide. It continues to enrich the musical landscape around the globe.
International Applause and Collaborations
And while Rahman is a titan in Indian cinema, his work may not cross one national front but his creations have crossed borders, bringing him global acclaim. His solo overseas success happened in 2008 with the soundtrack in Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), which brought Rahman two Academy Awards and two Grammy Awards. The song “Jai Ho” was a global sensation and brought Indian film music to worldwide audiences like never before for Indian film music. Rahman has worked with a variety of international singers like Mick Jagger, Will.i.am and Michael Jackson and his other musical projects -- "Bombay Dreams," collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber. They show off his versatility and his adeptness with Indian tunes blended with global sounds.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Apart from his music achievements, Rahman uses his fame to achieve social good. He founded A R Rahman Foundation, which focuses on education and health care for marginalized youths and entire communities. Passionate about giving back into this country's welfare efforts, Rahman actively supports charitable causes. He uses music and his influence to bring about change.
Unique Creative Process
Rahman’s own creative process is often characterized as very spiritual and intuitive. He has even spoken in interviews about taking musical composition and expressing it, to him, as having a divine process; let inspiration enter your mind, rather than forcing it into your life. His studio is state-of-the-art technology, but he blends that with traditional Indian musical knowledge and makes his unique sound.
Awards and Recognition
Rahman's awards list is huge and attests to his remarkable contribution to music worldwide. Apart from these two Oscars and two Grammys, Rahman has also picked up the Golden Globe and National Film Awards, Filmfare and Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri from the Government of India. Although Rahman is acclaimed for all these things, he remains a genuine man of modest means and does not stop inventing.
A Living Legend
A R Rahman’s trajectory from a boy in Chennai to a worldwide music legend is a tribute to his talent, perseverance, and dedication. His power to transcend borders with music brought Indian sounds onto the global stage like never before. On the day of his birthday, they toast not only his brilliant music but also his life as a visionary who forever altered the landscape of music. With this great artist, the world is looking forward to a new masterpiece of this true master as Rahman delivers more music and inspiring content. His story is an important reminder that with perseverance and faith, the power of music transcends the limits and inspires millions in every corner; for we are able to enter hearts and souls of people all over the world.
