A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman is a Chennai-born composer, singer and producer whose music connects Tamil and Hindi cinema, international films and the concert stage.
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Rahman’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
SoundtrackOverview
- Born
- 6 January 1967, Chennai, India
- Work
- Composer, singer and music producer
- Breakout
- Mani Ratnam’s Roja (1992)
- Music education
- Founder-principal of KM Music Conservatory in Chennai
Mini bio
How it started.
Rahman grew up in Chennai in a musical family. His father, film composer and arranger R. K. Sekhar, gave him his first music lesson at four. After his father died when he was nine, Rahman helped support the family by playing keyboards. Advertising jingles later gave him a place to develop as a composer.
The Roja turning point.
Mani Ratnam chose him to compose Roja in 1992. The debut won a National Film Award for music direction and began a lasting association with the director. Bombay, Dil Se and Lagaan became part of a catalogue that moves between South Asian traditions, electronic textures and orchestral writing.
Beyond the screen.
Andrew Lloyd Webber commissioned him to write Bombay Dreams, which opened in London in 2002. Slumdog Millionaire brought two Oscars in 2009, for its score and the song Jai Ho, followed by two Grammy wins in 2010.
Making room for new musicians.
He founded KM Music Conservatory in Chennai in 2008 and serves as its founder-principal. His foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra gives children from underserved backgrounds an opportunity to learn music. Alongside film releases, his concert work includes tours and orchestral collaborations.
Creditschronological, newest first
Film music
- 2026RamayanaComposer; collaboration with Hans Zimmer
- 2026Main Vaapas AaungaComposer
- 2026BAABComposer
- 2011RockstarComposer
- 2008Slumdog MillionaireComposer
- 2001LagaanComposer
- 1998Dil SeComposer
- 1992RojaComposer
Musical theatre
- 2002Bombay DreamsComposer
Awards
- Fukuoka Prize, Grand Prize · 2016Recognised for his contribution to Asian culture through film music.
- Two Grammy Awards · 2010Slumdog Millionaire won the compilation soundtrack category; Jai Ho won the song written for visual media category.
- Two Academy Awards · 2009Original Score for Slumdog Millionaire and Original Song for Jai Ho, whose lyrics were written by Gulzar.
- National Film Award · RojaBest Music Direction for his debut film soundtrack.
Quotes
I realised that music is one thing that can change lives.A. R. Rahman, A R Rahman Foundation
In his founder’s message, Rahman reflects on the Sunshine Orchestra and the opportunities music education can give children.
Trivia
- His father gave him his first music lesson when he was four.
- Before films, he composed more than 300 advertising and television jingles between 1987 and 1992.
- He joined SuperHeavy in 2011 alongside Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian Marley and Dave Stewart.
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