Teri Nazar - Official Music Video

A.R. Rahman, born Allah Rakha Rahman, is a world-renowned Indian composer, singer, and music producer who has revolutionized contemporary Indian music. His distinctive style, which masterfully fuses classical Indian music with electronic, world music, and symphonic orchestral arrangements, has earned him the moniker "Mozart of Madras" and established him as a true global icon.

• Birth and Name Change: Born A.S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, he was raised in a musical family. His father, R.K. Shekhar, was a noted film score composer and conductor for Malayalam films. Following his father's untimely death when Dileep was nine, his family faced severe financial hardship, forcing him to take on musical work at a young age to support his family. In 1989, his family converted to Islam, and he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman.
• Early Training and Struggles: Rahman began learning piano at the age of four. He assisted his father in the studio and later joined the orchestra of various composers. He earned a scholarship from the prestigious Trinity College London to the Trinity College of Music, where he graduated with a diploma in Western classical music. To make ends meet, he composed jingles for television and advertisements, creating over 300 jingles for brands like Titan, Parry's, and Leo Coffee, a period that laid the foundation for his creative soundscapes.

• Breakthrough with Mani Ratnam: His career took a revolutionary turn in 1992 when acclaimed director Mani Ratnam approached him to compose the soundtrack for the Tamil film Roja. The music was an instant and resounding success, earning him his first National Film Award for Best Music Direction, a rare feat for a debutant. This album, with its fresh blend of electronic music and folk melodies, changed the landscape of Indian film music and introduced a new generation to a different kind of sound.
• Transcendence into Bollywood: Following Roja, Rahman became the most sought-after music composer in Indian cinema. His Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s "Rangeela" (1995) was a massive success, with its album becoming one of the best-selling Indian soundtracks of all time. He went on to create iconic music for films like "Bombay" (1995), "Dil Se.." (1998), "Taal" (1999), and "Lagaan" (2001), establishing a new musical genre in the industry.

• Slumdog Millionaire: Rahman's true breakthrough to a global audience came with the British-Indian film "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008), directed by Danny Boyle. His vibrant and compelling score for the film earned him two Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Original Score and Best Original Song ("Jai Ho"). He also won two Grammy Awards for the same film, making him a major figure on the international music stage.
• Hollywood and Beyond: He has since composed for other major Hollywood projects, including "Couples Retreat" (2009) and "127 Hours" (2010), for which he received further Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. He has also collaborated with renowned artists like the Pussycat Dolls ("Jai Ho!"), Dido, and Mick Jagger on the supergroup SuperHeavy.

A.R. Rahman is one of the most decorated musicians in the world.

• National Recognition:
  • Padma Bhushan (2010): The third-highest civilian award in India.
  • Padma Shri (2000): The fourth-highest civilian award.
  • He is a recipient of six National Film Awards, a record for an Indian music director.
• International Accolades:
  • Two Academy Awards (2009)
  • Two Grammy Awards (2010)
  • One BAFTA Award (2009)
  • One Golden Globe Award (2009)
• He has also received numerous Filmfare Awards, including a record number in the South Indian and Hindi film industries.

• KM Music Conservatory: In 2008, Rahman founded the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, a renowned institution dedicated to providing high-quality music education in both Western and Indian classical music. The conservatory is part of his vision to nurture future musical talent.
• A.R. Rahman Foundation: Through his foundation, he is actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting various humanitarian causes, particularly those related to the arts and education for underprivileged children.
• Filmmaking: Rahman made his debut as a director and writer with the virtual reality film, "Le Musk," in 2017. He also co-produced the film "99 Songs" (2021), for which he also composed the music.
• Personal Life: Rahman is married to Saira Banu, and they have three children: Khatija, Rahima, and A.R. Ameen, all of whom have shown an inclination towards music.
• Legacy: A.R. Rahman's music has not only enriched the lives of millions but has also served as a cultural bridge, introducing Indian sounds to a global audience. His work is a testament to the power of music to unite people and transcend borders.