The career of A. R. Rahman shifted the landscape of Indian cinema music after he opened his own high-tech recording facility, Panchathan Record Inn, in his Chennai backyard during the early 1990s. This studio became the birthplace of sophisticated film scores that redefined the sound of Tamil and Hindi motion pictures for a global audience.
Early Musical Training
Born A. S. Dileep Kumar in 1967 in Madras, he was exposed to music early through his father, R. K. Shekhar, a composer for Malayalam films. Following his father's death, he supported his family by managing musical equipment rentals. He studied piano by age four and later trained under Master Dhanraj. His formal education included the Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School and a diploma in Western classical music from the Trinity College of Music, where he held a scholarship.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Beginnings
Before his transition to film scoring, he was a keyboardist and arranger for various bands, including Nemesis Avenue and Roots, alongside peers like Sivamani. He mastered multiple instruments, including the synthesizer, guitar, and harmonium. His initial professional work involved playing in the orchestra of M. K. Arjunan and assisting music directors such as Ilaiyaraaja and M. S. Viswanathan. By 1987, he was composing advertising jingles for brands like Allwyn and Titan Watches.
Breakthrough and Cinematic Success
In 1992, director Mani Ratnam recruited him for the film Roja, which marked the beginning of his prolific film-scoring career. The success of this project was followed by prominent work on films including Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Kaadhalan, and Bombay. His technical approach integrated music and technology, establishing his status as a leading composer in the Chennai film industry while garnering numerous industry awards.
International Recognition
His influence expanded into international cinema, notably with the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. This score earned him two Academy Awards and two Grammy Awards. Other international milestones include the BMI Award for his work on Couples Retreat and his debut as a director and writer for the film Le Musk in 2017. He has received honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Aligarh Muslim University, and in 2024, he was named Honorary President of Trinity Laban.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Chennai
- Original Name: A. S. Dileep Kumar
- Citizenship: India
- Religion: Islam
- Major Awards: Two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards
- Studio: Panchathan Record Inn
- Directorial Debut: Le Musk (2017)
- Honorary Role: President of Trinity Laban (2024)
Questions readers ask
Why did the composer change his name?
He adopted the name A. R. Rahman in 1989 after converting to Islam, as he felt his birth name did not reflect his self-image.
What was his early professional experience?
He worked as a keyboardist for various bands and as an assistant to established music directors before finding success composing advertising jingles.
Achievements
- Notable work: A. R. Rahman discography
- Instruments: keytar, electronic keyboard and flute
- Genres: Indian classical music, experimental music and world music
