Easily the most successful Indian musician to go global, A. R. Rahman turns 43 today. Having started his career in tinsel town with Mani Ratnam's 1992 film 'Roja', the talented Rahman has literally taken the world by storm with his magnificent orchestration and apt music.
A major strength of this musical wizard is the art of fusing many styles of music to produce an end result that is so very soothing and energizing with the desired mood…. an incredible ability and yet something that A. R. Rahman does quite naturally. Apart from his millions of Indian fans who shower accolades on him by the hour, Rahman's incredible talent had attracted the attention of the famed TIME Magazine which referred to him as the 'Mozart of Madras'.
Born as A. S. Dileep Kumar in the year 1966 in Chennai, the young lad has always been associated with music, thanks to his family. Losing his father at the tender age of nine, young Dileep's family was involved in renting out musical instruments. In the late 1970s his family converted to Islam and Dilip Kumar became Allah Rakkha Rahman.
Passionate about music all the time, young Rahman worked his way up to the recognition level by composing jingles for commercials, working on the background scores for documentaries and television programs. The big break came his way when Mani Ratnam approached him for the film 'Roja'. A seldom talked about fact is that A. R. Rahman is the recipient of the prestigious Rajat Kamal Award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards. He received this award on debut. Such an instance was never heard of before.
A musical genius was born. All spotlights were turned on him and scores of Tamil films followed. 'Puthiya Mugam', 'Gentleman', 'Kizhakku Cheemayile', 'Uzhvan', 'Thiruda Thiruda', 'Duet', 'May Maadham', 'Kadhalan', 'Bombay' etc. Almost all the songs that featured in these films went on to become big time chartbusters. A. R. Rahman had taken the world of Tamil Cinema by storm with his magnificent style of music. The musical genius was bestowed with an appropriate title 'Isai Puyal' (musical storm).
Soon after, Bollywood came knocking on his doors and A. R. Rahman's tunes in the blockbuster 'Rangeela' set the whole of India dancing to his tunes gleefully. The 'Mozart of Madras' started to spell magic with every single outing and he had become hot property.
Minsara Kanavu (Tamil), Kabhi Na Kabhi (Hindi), Fire (Hindi), 'Kadhal Desam', 'Jeans' (Tamil), 'Taal' (Hindi), 'Padayappa', 'Kadhalar Dinam' (Tamil), 'Lagaan' (Hindi), 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' (Hindi), 'Boys' (Tamil), 'Warriors of Haven and Earth' (Mandarin & Japanese), 'Rang De Basanti' (Hindi), 'Sillunu Oru Kadhal' (Tamil), 'Ayutha Ezhuthu / Yuva' (Tamil / Hindi), Elizabeth: The Golden Age' (English), 'Jodha Akbar', 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' (Hindi), Sakkarakatti (Tamil), 'Yuvvraaj', 'Ghajini' (Hindi), 'Slumdog Millionaire' (English) etc. have all rocked audiences. A. R. Rahman had become a world phenomenon by now….
A. R. Rahman's international recognition for the English film 'Slumdog Millionaire' is simply outstanding. The Los Angeles Film Critics Award, New York Online Film Critics Award, International Press Academy Satellite Award, Black Reel Award and the San Diego Film Critics Award.
A. R. Rahman has been nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for 'Slumdog Millionaire' and also at the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award. Results are awaited….but Rahman is expected to win these as well.
The music wizard has many films up his sleeve and they include 'Asokavanam' (Tamil), 'Puli' (Telugu), 'Sultan: the warrior' and 'Endhiran' (Tamil).
Apart from movies, Rahman is also known for his albums that have gone on to break collection records. 'Vande Mataram', a patriotic album that was composed in the 1997 to commemorate India's fiftieth year of Independence is something every patriotic Indian cherishes close to his or her heart.
Going by the host of recognition this incredible talent is receiving, the Oscars might not be far away. We surely have a genius in our backyard who is sought after internationally. Let's hope A. R. Rahman continues to do what he does masterfully – sway our hearts with his enthralling music.
Indiaglitz salutes and wishes A. R. Rahman a magnificent birthday….
5th january is a.r rahmans birthday.
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