A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman: A Maestro of Music
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Allah Rakha Rahman, commonly known as A. R. Rahman, is a renowned Indian music composer, singer, and songwriter.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India. Still active in the industry, no death date is recorded.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Indian, Music Composer, Singer, Songwriter
Early Life and Background
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A. R. Rahman was born to a family of musicians. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a music director in the Tamil film industry. At a young age, A. R. Rahman began composing music and playing musical instruments like the piano, guitar, and harmonium. He was classically trained in music by his mother, Kasthuri.
Growing up, A. R. Rahman was exposed to various genres of music, including Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, Western classical music, and film scores from around the world. This diverse musical upbringing had a profound impact on his compositional style, which would later become a hallmark of his work.
Major Accomplishments
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A. R. Rahman's breakthrough in the industry came with the 1992 Tamil film Roja, for which he composed the music and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Music Director. This success was followed by numerous other critically acclaimed films, including Minsara Kanavu (1999) and Tayutheinum Kiliyada (2001).
In 2008, A. R. Rahman collaborated with Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle to compose the music for the film's soundtrack. The critically acclaimed score won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
A. R. Rahman has won numerous international and national awards for his work, including two Academy Awards (Best Original Score and Best Original Song), four National Film Awards, and a Grammy Award.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of A. R. Rahman's most notable works include:
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - soundtrack won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score
127 Hours (2010) - original score for the film won the Academy Award for Best Original Score
Rockstar (2011) - musical collaboration with Mohit Chauhan and Arohi Nikhil
Kadhal Anukkal (2007) - composed music for this Tamil-language film
Impact and Legacy
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A. R. Rahman's impact on the Indian film industry cannot be overstated. He is credited with introducing Western classical music elements to Indian film scores, which has influenced a generation of composers.
His innovative approach to music composition has inspired numerous artists across genres. A. R. Rahman has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including composing music for charity albums and supporting social causes through his foundation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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A. R. Rahman's contributions to the world of music are immeasurable. His innovative approach to composition, coupled with his ability to blend traditional Indian music with Western classical elements, has made him a beloved figure in the industry.
His numerous awards and accolades are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. As a composer who continues to push boundaries and innovate, A. R. Rahman's legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by A. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman's insights on:
The more I compose, the more I know that I don't know it all. I think it's a good way to start. If you think you know it all, the work becomes a repetition of what you've already done. I try to make sure that I don't repeat my music.
I basically love classical music. I love a lot of musicians playing together and the whole culture of that, whether it's Indian or it's Western.
When you do something with a lot of honesty, appetite and commitment, the input reflects in the output.
That was a very different emotion and I felt Dido’s words would be good and I had a template with my voice in it. Then, when he heard it, he wanted both our voices together in it and that’s the scene when he sees the boy and then he gets charged to go on that final cutting effort.
My list would be Russia, Morocco, Turkey, and South Africa I’m doing which is somewhere I’ve wanted to go, Australia, Japan maybe, and China, if I have the energy to go and play at all those places.
I grew up on Bach and Beethoven and now I’m listening to more modern composers who I can’t even name. But since I’m constantly doing music, it’s difficult to have that quality time to listen to music and do classical stuff. That’s the only reason I’m thinking of going on.
That’s a sound design thing but then we wanted to do music that would not disturb it and at the same time drive it.
There were basically three themes. One was the sun theme which is the guitar when he’d get sun on his leg and it comes again in the end. And there’s of course the lullaby which Dido sang, “If I Rise.” And then there’s this driving guitar which is the motivation theme.
Certain things are done intentionally opposite – like there’s no sound at the end or synthesizers or all that stuff. Anything that drowns the movie, no. Anything that makes you sit up and watch it, yes. So, some are expecting a very sad theme going on.
I think I would like to discover a new root where people don’t get bored with people singing boring lines but something exciting. That’d be interesting.