There needs no introduction when it comes to music legend A.R. Rahman, as he has already been accepted as a global icon. The man who took Indian music to the global arena by winning double Oscars is celebrating his birthday!
The Mozart of Madras was born in 1966 as A.S. Dileep Kumar to R.K. Shekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam films. At age 11, he joined music director Ilaiyaraaja’s troupe as a keyboard player. Simultaneously, he also played in several music directors’ troupes and toured the world with great concert performers such as Zakir Hussain, L.Vaidyanathan and Ramesh Naidu. Learning from all these varied and valuable experiences, Rahman graduated from Trinity College of Music, London, in Western classical music. It was director Mani Ratnam, who introduced him to films, after listening to some of his jingles. Interestingly, his very first film Roja fetched him the National Award and was also well appreciated for his work. Later, he had no time for rest, making good music for several films.
His debut film in Hindi Rangeela, was also a hit number, which paved the way for a successful journey into Bollywood as well. He has also won two Oscar awards for his Hollywood debut flick Slummdog Millionaire. He also launched the KM Music Conservatory to train Indians in world class music. Rahman’s vision is to compose and present world-class orchestras in Chennai. This legendary music director celebrates his 47th birthday today.
Galatta.com wishes the actor a very happy birthday and a great year ahead.
