A. R. Rahman Biography, height, weight, Age , girlfriend, wife, children and family and many more

A.R. Rahman: The Mozart of Madras

Full Name: Allah Rakha Rahman
Date of Birth: January 6, 1967
Place of Birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
Profession: Musical Composer, Record Producer, Singer, Songwriter
Net Worth: Estimated $280 million (as of 2024)
Known For: Oscar-winning music, Slumdog Millionaire, Roja, Bombay Dreams
Nationality: Indian

A. R. Rahman is an internationally acclaimed musical composer, producer, and singer who has transformed the Indian music industry with his innovative style. Known as the Mozart of Madras, Rahman’s music is celebrated for its fusion of classical, electronic, and world music influences. With over three decades in the music industry, Rahman is not only a national treasure in India but also a global icon who has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

Early Life and Family

A. R. Rahman was born as A. S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was raised in a Tamil-speaking family, and music played an integral role in his childhood. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films. Tragically, Rahman’s father passed away when he was only nine years old, leaving the family in financial hardship.

To support his family, Rahman began working as a session musician while still in school. In 1989, his family converted to Islam after his mother, Kareema Begum, experienced a spiritual awakening, and Dileep Kumar adopted the name Allah Rakha Rahman.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

A. R. Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995 in an arranged marriage. The couple has three children:

Khatija Rahman: A singer who has performed in several of Rahman’s projects.
Rahima Rahman: The second daughter who maintains a relatively private life.
Ameen Rahman: A budding musician and singer who has also contributed to his father’s compositions.

Rahman credits his family and spirituality for keeping him grounded and focused on his work.

Physical Attributes

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)

Professional Life

Early Career

Rahman began his career as a session musician in the South Indian film industry and later started composing jingles for advertisements. In 1992, filmmaker Mani Ratnam offered him the opportunity to compose the soundtrack for Roja. The album was a groundbreaking success, earning Rahman his first National Film Award and establishing him as a force in Indian cinema.

Rise to Fame

Rahman’s unique ability to blend traditional Indian music with modern genres made him an instant favorite. His soundtracks for films like Bombay (1995), Dil Se (1998), and Lagaan (2001) are considered timeless classics.

Global Recognition

Rahman achieved global fame with his work on Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The film’s soundtrack, particularly the song Jai Ho, earned him two Academy Awards—one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song. This made him the first Indian to win two Oscars in a single night.

He has since collaborated with international artists and directors, including Andrew Lloyd Webber (Bombay Dreams), Michael Jackson, and Mick Jagger (SuperHeavy).

Key Projects

Bollywood Hits: Taal, Guru, Rockstar, Highway, Rang De Basanti
Hollywood Projects: 127 Hours, Couples Retreat, The Hundred-Foot Journey
Stage Musicals: Bombay Dreams, The Lord of the Rings Musical

Awards and Honors

2 Academy Awards
2 Grammy Awards
BAFTA and Golden Globe
6 National Film Awards
Padma Bhushan (2010), India’s third-highest civilian award

Musical Style and Legacy

A. R. Rahman is known for his ability to blend Indian classical music with electronic beats, Western classical elements, and world music influences. His compositions often include a mix of instruments, complex rhythms, and soulful melodies that appeal to a global audience.

Innovations

Introduction of electronic music in Indian cinema.
Collaborations with global orchestras and artists.
Pioneering the use of cutting-edge technology in music production.

Rahman’s contributions to music have earned him the nickname Isai Puyal (Musical Storm) in Tamil Nadu.

Philanthropy and Social Work

Rahman is actively involved in several charitable initiatives. He founded the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai to train young musicians and promote Western classical and Indian music. He has also supported numerous humanitarian causes, including education for underprivileged children and disaster relief efforts.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

With an estimated net worth of $280 million, Rahman is one of the wealthiest music composers in the world. He owns a state-of-the-art recording studio, Panchathan Record Inn, in Chennai, which is considered one of the most advanced studios in Asia. Rahman has also ventured into film production with his company, YM Movies.

Interesting Facts About A. R. Rahman

First Filmfare Award for Tamil and Hindi Films: Rahman won Filmfare Awards for both Tamil and Hindi films in his first year of composing (Roja and Rangeela).
Collaborated with Michael Jackson: Rahman was invited to collaborate with Michael Jackson on an album, though the project never materialized due to Jackson’s untimely death.
Holds a Guinness World Record: Rahman’s Jai Ho became the most-downloaded song worldwide after the release of Slumdog Millionaire.
Turned Down Hollywood Offers Initially: Rahman was offered several Hollywood projects in the 1990s but turned them down to focus on Indian cinema.
Believes in Minimalism: Despite his wealth, Rahman leads a humble and minimalist lifestyle, reflecting his spiritual beliefs.
Music Inspired by Spirituality: Rahman often credits his Islamic faith for inspiring his compositions, which frequently evoke a sense of divinity.

A. R. Rahman’s journey from a struggling musician in Chennai to an international icon is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and humility. His music continues to inspire millions around the world, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

Lesser-Known and Interesting Facts About A. R. Rahman

Here are some fascinating and lesser-known facts about A. R. Rahman, the Mozart of Madras:

1. He Almost Became a Computer Engineer

Before pursuing music, Rahman showed an interest in electronics and engineering. He even contemplated a career as a computer engineer, but his passion for music ultimately won.

2. He Started as a Keyboardist at Just 11 Years Old

Rahman joined composer Ilaiyaraaja’s orchestra as a keyboard player at the age of 11 to support his family after his father’s death. This early exposure shaped his musical journey.

3. Converted to Islam After a Spiritual Experience

Born as A. S. Dileep Kumar, Rahman and his family converted to Islam in 1989 after his mother experienced a spiritual transformation. His faith continues to influence his life and music profoundly.

4. His First Salary Was ₹50

Rahman’s first earning came at the age of 13 when he played a session for a Malayalam composer. He received ₹50, which was a big deal for him at the time.

5. First Indian to Win Two Oscars in One Night

In 2009, Rahman became the first Indian to win two Academy Awards in a single night for his work on Slumdog Millionaire. He won for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Jai Ho).

6. He Composed More Than 300 Advertisements Before Films

Before entering the film industry, Rahman worked on jingles and scored over 300 advertisements. This work honed his ability to create memorable music in a short time.

7. Owns One of the Most Advanced Recording Studios in Asia

Rahman’s Panchathan Record Inn in Chennai is one of the most advanced and well-equipped recording studios in Asia. Many international artists have worked there.

8. He Was the First Asian to Perform at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert

Rahman performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2010, becoming the first Asian artist to be invited to this prestigious event.

9. His Songs Are Inspired by Nature

Rahman often finds inspiration for his compositions in the beauty of nature. He has said that the sound of rain and the wind often influence his melodies.

10. Turned Down a Doctorate Offer Twice

Rahman has turned down honorary doctorates twice, citing his preference to focus on creating music rather than collecting titles. However, he has accepted some later on, including one from Berklee College of Music.

11. The First Indian to Win a Golden Globe Award

For Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman became the first Indian to win a Golden Globe, paving the way for further international recognition of Indian music.

12. He Composed the Anthem for the 2010 Commonwealth Games

Rahman composed the official anthem, Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto, for the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi.

13. Works Mostly at Night

Rahman prefers working at night as he believes that it’s a peaceful time for creativity. Many of his compositions have been created during the late hours.

14. He Rejected Hollywood Offers Early in His Career

Despite being approached by international filmmakers in the 1990s, Rahman turned down offers to focus on Indian cinema. He wanted to establish himself in his home country first.

15. He Holds a World Record for “Maa Tujhe Salaam”

The patriotic song Maa Tujhe Salaam from the album Vande Mataram holds the Guinness World Record for being the most frequently performed song live.

16. Helped Popularize Indian Music Worldwide

Rahman collaborated with international artists like Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, helping to bring Indian music to a global audience.

17. A Star Named After Him

In 2014, a group of fans named a star in the Orion constellation after Rahman as a tribute to his immense contribution to music.

18. Doesn't Watch His Movies After Completion

Rahman avoids watching the movies he works on after completing their scores. He believes his job is done once the music is created.

19. Inspired the Character of Mohan Bhargava in Swades

Rahman’s work and personality inspired the character of Mohan Bhargava, played by Shah Rukh Khan, in the critically acclaimed film Swades.

20. Composed a Song for the UN

Rahman composed Pray for Me Brother, a song that was created to promote the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

21. Started an Online School for Music

To promote music education, Rahman launched an online platform that allows students worldwide to learn music production and composition directly from his team.

22. Inspired by Indian Classical Legends

Rahman has been deeply influenced by Indian classical legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ilaiyaraaja, as well as Western composers like Hans Zimmer and Ennio Morricone.

These lesser-known facts about A. R. Rahman showcase his humble beginnings, creativity, and unwavering dedication to music. From redefining Indian cinema's soundscape to leaving a global mark, Rahman continues to inspire millions worldwide.