A. R. Rahman (born 6 January 1967) is an Indian composer, singer and music producer, often called the “Mozart of Madras”. He changed Indian film music with his debut score for Roja in 1992. He then took Indian sound to the world, winning two Academy Awards and two Grammy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire, and he has sung many of his own compositions. In 2026 he is composing the score for the epic Ramayana with Hans Zimmer.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Allah Rakha Rahman (born A. S. Dileep Kumar) |
| Born | 6 January 1967, Madras (now Chennai), India |
| Age | 59 |
| Profession | Composer, singer, record producer |
| Father | R. K. Shekhar (composer) |
| Debut film | Roja (1992) |
| Children | Khatija, Rahima, A. R. Ameen |
| Honours | 2 Academy Awards, 2 Grammys, Padma Bhushan (2010) |
Early Life
Rahman was born A. S. Dileep Kumar in Madras. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a Tamil and Malayalam film composer who died when Dileep was nine. To support the family, the boy began working as a keyboard player while still at school. He later studied Western classical music on a scholarship from Trinity College of Music, London. In the late 1980s he converted to Islam with his family and took the name Allah Rakha Rahman.
Career
After years composing advertising jingles, Rahman was hired by director Mani Ratnam for Roja (1992). Its fresh, technology-driven sound won him the National Film Award for Best Music Direction on his debut. Scores for Bombay, Rangeela, Dil Se.., Taal, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti and Jodhaa Akbar followed, and he became the most celebrated composer in India. His 1997 album Vande Mataram was released for the 50th anniversary of independence.
Rahman’s score for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (2008) won two Academy Awards, for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”). It also won two Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe. He has worked on international projects including 127 Hours and the stage musical Bombay Dreams.
Rahman often sings his own songs, including “Maa Tujhe Salaam”, “Khwaja Mere Khwaja”, “Kun Faya Kun”, “Dil Se Re” and “Jai Ho”. His recent work includes scores for Ponniyin Selvan and, with Hans Zimmer, the 2026 epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.
Personal Life
Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995, and they have three children: Khatija, Rahima and A. R. Ameen, who is also a singer. In November 2024 the couple announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. Rahman founded the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai to train young musicians.
Awards and Honours
Popular Songs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was A. R. Rahman born?
A. R. Rahman was born on 6 January 1967 in Madras (now Chennai), India.
What honours has A. R. Rahman received?
2 Academy Awards, 2 Grammys, Padma Bhushan (2010).
