As the calendar flips to January 6, 2025, music enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate the 58th birthday of A.R. Rahman, the legendary composer, singer, and music producer, who is affectionately known as the “Mozart of Madras.” With a career that has spanned over three decades, Rahman has not only transformed the landscape of Indian music but has also built an empire of wealth and global recognition through his unmatched talent and international appeal.
Who is A.R. Rahman?
Born as A. S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1967, in Chennai (formerly Madras), A.R. Rahman’s journey into music began at a very young age. His early exposure to the world of music was heavily influenced by his father, R.K. Shekhar, who was a well-known composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films. Rahman’s early life was marked by a deep connection to the art form, but it was also shaped by tragedy. At the age of just nine, Rahman’s father passed away unexpectedly, leaving the young boy to take on the responsibility of supporting his family.