A. R. Rahman is one of India's most internationally acclaimed music composers, playback singers, songwriters and record producers. He is known for blending Indian classical music, electronic sounds, world music and Western orchestral arrangements to create a distinctive musical style.
Rahman began his film-scoring career with Roja (1992), directed by Mani Ratnam. The success of the film's music established him as an important new voice in Indian cinema. He subsequently created memorable music for films such as Bombay, Dil Se.., Taal, Lagaan, Swades, Rang De Basanti, Jodhaa Akbar, Rockstar and Rockstar, among many others.
His international breakthrough came with Slumdog Millionaire (2008). His work on the film earned him two Academy Awards and two Grammy Awards, along with a BAFTA and Golden Globe. He is also a recipient of multiple National Film Awards and the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours.
As a singer, Rahman has performed numerous songs in his own compositions. His distinctive voice can be heard in popular tracks such as “Dil Se Re,” “Vande Mataram,” “Maa Tujhhe Salaam,” “Jai Ho,” “Humma Humma” and many other songs.A. R. Rahman was born as A. S. Dileep Kumar on 6 January 1967 in Madras, now Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a composer and conductor associated with Malayalam films. Rahman began learning music and playing the piano at a young age.
After the death of his father when Rahman was a child, music became an important part of supporting his family. He worked as a session musician and keyboard player before developing his career as a composer. He later studied Western classical music at Trinity College of Music in London.
Before entering mainstream cinema, Rahman composed music for television commercials and jingles. He established his own recording studio, Panchathan Record Inn, in Chennai. His major film breakthrough arrived in 1992 with Mani Ratnam's Roja. The film's soundtrack became a major success and earned him the National Film Award for Best Music Direction.
Rahman's career expanded from Tamil cinema into Hindi films and eventually international cinema. His major Hindi film works include Rangeela, Dil Se.., Taal, Lagaan, Swades, Rang De Basanti, Jodhaa Akbar, Rockstar and several others.
His international achievements include two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award. He has also received multiple National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards and other major honours. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2000 and Padma Bhushan in 2010.
Apart from composing and singing, Rahman is involved in music education and philanthropy. He founded the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai and continues to work on film, independent music, stage and international musical projects.