A. R. Rahman, is a legendary Indian film composer, record producer, singer, and songwriter who plies his trade primarily in Kollywood and Bollywood film industry. In 2010, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, which is the nation’s third-highest civilian award.
From youngsters to the ones, aged with time, music has left a deep-rooted commitment to every human being in every stage of life. Music is an embodiment of love, anger, passion, and melancholy expressed through profound lyrics, tunes, and rhythms. A.R Rahman has well and truly composed the best music in the world.
In this article, we will take a glimpse at the unknown facts about A.R. Rahman.
1. Did you know A.R. Rahman’s previous name?
Celebrities often alter their religious status for their inclination towards a particular belief. They always make headlines and receive a huge appreciation for inculcating respect and modern values towards different religions.
Formerly known as Dileep Kumar, A.R. Rahman has changed the face of the music industry through his composition skills and a magical voice.
2. Converted to Islam
Although the mother was devoted to Sufism, A.R. Rahman converted into Islam, when his sister was taken ill and recovered as they offered prayers to Allah. He later announced it to the world.
A.R. Rahman revealed the reason why he changed his name from Dileep Kumar. “I never liked my original name, Dileep Kumar. I don’t even know why I hated it. I felt it didn’t match my personality. I wanted to become another person. I wanted to get rid of all the past luggage.” In the end, he took up Sufi Islam along with the whole family and gave a new name to himself as A.R. Rahman.
3. Unique achievement for A.R. Rahman
Music maestro became the first Indian to be nominated in 3 categories at the Academy Awards for his music score in the British-Indian movie Slumdog Millionaire. Rahman scripted history in the year 2009 by becoming the first Indian to win 2 Oscar awards for the Best Original Score for Slumdog Millionaire and “Jai Ho” song.
4. Educational qualification of A.R. Rahman
Composer, lyricist, and worldwide acclaimed singer, A R Rahman left school in the midway to support his family after his father’s untimely death. He later completed his education from Madras Christian College higher secondary school.
He also received a scholarship from Trinity College London to further pursue his knowledge in music from Trinity College of Music.
5. When A.R. Rahman hit out at Salman Khan
In 2014, Salman Khan and A. R. Rahman shared a stage for an event where they interacted with reporters. Director Kabir Khan and politician Kapil Sibal marked their presence on that stage.
Back in the event, Salman Khan jokingly asked, when AR Rahman will compose for his movies? The world’s famous composer didn’t reply at the very moment but came up with a hilariously reply to a reporter who asked the same question.
While replying to the reporter, Rahman said that, “He”ll compose for Salman Khan’s films only if he does the films he likes.”