Key points
- Born as A.S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Tamil Nadu, lost his composer father at age 9
- Dropped out of school, earned just 50 rupees from his first music job at 15
- Converted to Islam in his youth, changed name to Allah Rakha Rahman
- Started with a home recording studio, composed ad jingles before film breakthrough
- First major recognition came with ‘Roja’ (1992), revolutionizing Indian film music
- Won two Oscars and two Grammys for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2009)
- Recent projects include ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, ‘Maamannan’, and international collaborations
- Celebrates his 59th birthday on January 6, 2026, with new ventures in AI music technology
In the world of music, if there’s one name that has given Indian melodies international recognition, it’s A.R. Rahman. His journey from a small home recording studio to the Oscar stage is a testament to struggle, hard work and passion. Rahman’s story is not just that of a musician, but of a man who, instead of succumbing to circumstances, transformed them into his strength.
A.R. Rahman was born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His real name was A.S. Dileep Kumar. His father, R.K. Shekhar, was a renowned music composer for Malayalam films, who began teaching Rahman the intricacies of piano and music at a very young age. But fate soon put him to the test. When Rahman was just nine years old, his father passed away, leaving the family in severe financial distress. The responsibilities of the household fell on young Rahman’s shoulders, forcing him to mature far beyond his years.
The early struggle and 50-rupee beginning
He dropped out of school and made music his only support. Renting out his father’s musical instruments, working in studios and taking on small projects became his daily routine. At the age of 15, he earned only 50 rupees from his first professional job, but this small beginning laid the foundation for his future achievements. Those early years taught him discipline, resilience and the practical aspects of music production that would later define his unique sound.
During this period, Rahman worked as a keyboard player for various music directors, absorbing different styles and techniques. He spent countless hours in makeshift studios, learning the technical side of recording, mixing and arrangement. This hands-on experience proved invaluable when he later established his own studio.
Spiritual transformation and new identity
In his youth, Rahman made a significant change in his life and embraced Islam, changing his name to Allah Rakha Rahman. This spiritual journey came after personal reflection and exposure to Sufi philosophy, which would later influence his music’s depth and universal appeal. After this transformation, he started composing music for advertisements and jingles, building a reputation for creating memorable melodies in just 30-second spots.
During this time, he set up a small home recording studio in his courtyard, from where his creative journey took flight. This modest setup, equipped with basic recording equipment, became the birthplace of a new sound in Indian music, one that would blend Indian classical traditions with electronic music and world sounds.
The breakthrough that changed Indian cinema
In 1992, A.R. Rahman gained his first major recognition with Mani Ratnam’s film ‘Roja’. The film’s music was a super hit, and he quickly became one of the most celebrated music composers in Indian cinema. The soundtrack introduced a fresh sonic landscape to Indian audiences, featuring layered arrangements, digital synthesizers and a seamless fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani and Western classical elements.
Films like ‘Bombay’, ‘Rangeela’, ‘Taal’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Swades’ propelled him to even greater heights. Each soundtrack broke new ground, whether it was the qawwali-infused ‘Kun Faya Kun’, the folk-inspired ‘Ye Jo Des Hai Tera’ or the pulsating ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’. His ability to give each film a distinct musical identity while maintaining his signature sound made him the most sought-after composer in India.
Global recognition and Oscar glory
In 2009, Rahman made history by winning two Oscars for the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. He also won two Grammys, a Golden Globe, several National Awards and the prestigious Padma Bhushan for his contributions to music. His Oscar acceptance speech, where he said “All my life I’ve had a choice between hate and love, I chose love,” resonated globally.
Since then, he has composed for international projects like ‘127 Hours’, ‘Couples Retreat’, and the stage musical ‘Bombay Dreams’. He has collaborated with artists like Mick Jagger, Dave Stewart, and will.i.am, bringing Indian musical sensibilities to global audiences.
Recent work and 59th birthday milestone
As he celebrates his 59th birthday on January 6, 2026, Rahman continues to push boundaries. His recent work includes the epic soundtracks for Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ duology (2022) and Mari Selvaraj’s ‘Maamannan’ (2023), which received critical acclaim for their orchestral depth and cultural rootedness.
In 2024, he composed for the sci-fi Tamil film ‘Ayalaan’ and launched his AI-driven music research lab, exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance musical creativity while preserving human emotion. He also performed at the opening ceremony of the IPL 2025 season, debuting a new anthem that blended traditional Indian instruments with electronic dance music.
Rahman has also expanded his philanthropic efforts through the A.R. Rahman Foundation, which provides music education to underprivileged children across India and the Middle East. His latest initiative, “Music Without Borders,” aims to connect refugee children with music therapy programs.
Legacy and influence on new generation
Today, Rahman is not just a composer but a cultural institution. He has mentored a new generation of musicians through his KM Music Conservatory, where students learn both Indian classical and Western music theory. His approach to music production, where he often plays multiple instruments himself and spends months perfecting a single track, has set new standards in the industry.
From a boy who earned 50 rupees for his first job to a global icon with two Oscars, Rahman’s journey embodies the power of resilience, innovation and spiritual depth. As he enters his 59th year, he continues to evolve, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries of language, culture or technology.
