Director
A.R. Rahman
Based In
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Origin
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Years Active
1992–Present
A.R. Rahman – Biography
A.R. Rahman – Full Information
- Full Name: Allah Rakha Rahman (Born as A. S. Dileep Kumar)
- Popular Name: A.R. Rahman
- Nickname: Isai Puyal (Musical Storm), Mozart of Madras
- Profession: Music Composer, Record Producer, Singer, Songwriter, Filmmaker
- Known For: Roja, Bombay, Lagaan, Slumdog Millionaire, Rockstar, 99 Songs
- Date of Birth: 6 January 1967
- Age: 59 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Chennai (formerly Madras), Tamil Nadu, India
- Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Islam
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Current Residence: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Profession Category: Music Director, Musician
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 70 kg
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
- Father: Late R. K. Shekhar (Film Score Composer)
- Mother: Kareema (born Kashturi)
- Siblings: A. R. Reihana (Sister), Fathima Rafiq, Ishrath Qadri
- Marital Status: Separated
- Spouse: Saira Banu (m. 1995; separated in 2024)
- Children: Khatija Rahman (Daughter), Rahima Rahman (Daughter), A. R. Ameen (Son)
Education
- School: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) & Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School, Chennai
- College: Trinity College of Music, London (Scholarship)
- Qualification: Diploma in Western Classical Music
Career Higlighr
| Year | Career Highlight |
| 1992 | Made his sensational debut as a film composer with Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film Roja, permanently changing the soundscape of Indian cinema. |
| 1995 | Debuted in Bollywood with the massive hit Rangeela, breaking language barriers and cementing his pan-India appeal. |
| 1997 | Released the iconic non-film patriotic album Vande Mataram to commemorate India’s 50th year of Independence. |
| 2001 | Composed the legendary soundtrack for Lagaan, which went on to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. |
| 2008 | Achieved global superstardom by composing the music for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, sweeping major international awards. |
| 2011 | Delivered a generation-defining Hindi rock soundtrack for Imtiaz Ali’s cult classic Rockstar. |
| 2017 | Made his debut as a director and writer with the groundbreaking virtual reality film Le Musk. |
| 2021 | Expanded his creative horizons by debuting as a writer and producer for the musical romance film 99 Songs. |
| 2025–2026 | Continued his dominant musical legacy, composing highly anticipated massive pan-Indian projects like Chhaava and Thug Life. |
Awards List
| Year | Award Category | Award Name | Film / Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Best Music Direction | National Film Awards | Roja | Won |
| 2000 | Career Achievement | Padma Shri | Overall Contribution | Honored |
| 2009 | Best Original Score | Academy Awards (Oscars) | Slumdog Millionaire | Won |
| 2009 | Best Original Song | Academy Awards (Oscars) | “Jai Ho” (Slumdog Millionaire) | Won |
| 2009 | Best Original Score | Golden Globe Awards | Slumdog Millionaire | Won |
| 2010 | Best Compilation Soundtrack Album | Grammy Awards | Slumdog Millionaire | Won |
| 2010 | Career Achievement | Padma Bhushan | Overall Contribution | Honored |
| 2012 | Best Music Director | Filmfare Awards | Rockstar | Won |
| 2023 | Best Background Score | National Film Awards | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Won |
About A.R. Rahman
No, A.R. Rahman is primarily a world-renowned music composer, singer, and producer. While he has appeared in his own music videos and made brief cameo appearances in movies, he is not a mainstream actor.
He was born A.S. Dileep Kumar. After going through a difficult personal period, he and his family converted to Islam in his late teens, and he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman (A.R. Rahman).
He has won two Academy Awards (Oscars)—Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the track "Jai Ho" from the international hit movie Slumdog Millionaire (2008).
A.R. Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995. However, in late 2024, the couple announced their mutual separation after nearly three decades of marriage.
He has three children: two daughters, Khatija Rahman and Rahima Rahman, and one son, A.R. Ameen, all of whom are aspiring musicians and playback singers.