Biography

Renowned worldwide as A. R. Rahman, he stands as an iconic figure known for redefining‬ Indian film and contemporary music. His illustrious career has been adorned with a‬ staggering list of achievements, making him a true luminary in the industry.‬

‭ With a prolific body of work that spans across more than 160 film soundtracks and albums‬ in over half a dozen languages, Rahman's compositions have touched the hearts of‭ millions. His music has played an integral role in blockbuster movies such as 'Roja,' ‭ 'Bombay,' 'Dil Se,' 'Taal,' 'Lagaan,' 'Vandemataram,' 'Jodhaa Akbar,' 'Ponniyin Selvan' (I & II),‬ 'Slumdog Millionaire,' '127 Hours,' and countless more.‬

‭ Rahman's journey into music began at a tender age, leading him to compose jingles and‬ scores for popular Indian television programs. In 1991, his collaboration with noted filmmaker Mani Ratnam on 'Roja' propelled him to national stardom, earning him his first‬ Indian National Award for Best Music Composer, a feat unprecedented for a debutant.‬ ‭ Rahman has since claimed this prestigious honor 5 more times, setting a remarkable‬ record in the industry.‬

‭ In 1997, Sony Music recognized Rahman's exceptional talent and signed him as its first‬‭ South Asian artist to commemorate India's 50 years of independence. The result was 'Vande‬ Mataram,' an album that rekindled the spirit of patriotism and resonated with Indians across‬ the globe.‬

‭ Rahman's global influence continued to soar when he collaborated with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical 'Bombay Dreams,' a departure from his usual composition projects.‬ The show achieved immense success, running for two years in London's West End and later‬ premiering on Broadway in New York City.‬

‭ In 2005, Rahman co-composed the stage production of 'The Lord of the Rings,' one of the‬ most ambitious stage productions ever undertaken. His music has transcended borders, featuring in international films such as 'The Lord of War’, 'Inside Man’, and 'The Accidental‬ Husband’.‬

‬The iconic 'Bombay Theme' from 'Bombay' has graced over 50 international compilations.‬ Rahman's collaboration with Hollywood includes notable works like 'Slumdog Millionaire’,‬ '127 Hours’, ‘Pele', 'People Like Us’, ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’, 'Messenger of God’, 'Million‬ Dollar Arm’, and many more.‬‭ The pinnacle of Rahman's global recognition arrived in 2008 with the astounding success‬ of 'Slumdog Millionaire’, earning him two Academy Awards, two Grammys, a Golden Globe,‬ and a BAFTA, among many other accolades.‬

‭ In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of music, Rahman has received‬ honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions like Trinity College of Music, Aligarh‬ Muslim University, Anna University, Middlesex University, and the esteemed Berklee‬ College of Music. Time Magazine also named him one of the 100 most influential people‬ in the world in 2009.‬

‭ Throughout his career, Rahman has collaborated with a diverse array of international‬ artists, including U2, Mick Jagger in Super Heavy, Coldplay, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Michael‬ Jackson, Michael Bolton, M.I.A., Vanessa Mae, the Pussycat Dolls, Sarah Brightman, Dido,‬ Hossam Ramzy, Hans Zimmer, and Akon.‬

‭ His orchestral compositions have graced renowned orchestras like the London‬ Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Babelsberg Film Orchestra,‬ the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and in 2017 he was commissioned by the Seattle‬ Symphony to create 'The Flying Lotus’, all of which attest to his unparalleled diversity and‬ influence in the world of music.‬

‭ Today, Rahman continues to inspire and nurture new talent through initiatives such as‬ the 'all-women Firdaus Orchestra,' supported by UAE Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, and‬ the A. R. Rahman Foundation, which aims to provide underprivileged children with music‬ education. His vision also extends to promoting western classical music in India and‬ establishing the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai.‬

In addition to his musical pursuits, Rahman ventured into directing India's first-ever virtual‬ reality movie, 'Le Musk’, and co-wrote and produced '99 Songs’, which premiered at the‬ Busan International Film Festival.‬

His incredible band recently celebrated two highly successful sold-out tours, in the USA in‬ 2022, and in Europe in the year 2023.‬

‭ A. R. Rahman's extraordinary journey continues to be a testament to his boundless‬ creativity and unwavering commitment to the world of music and beyond.‬