A. R. Rahman Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Real Name: A. S. Dileep Kumar

Full Name: Allah Rakha Rahman

Nickname(s): Isai Puyal, The Mozart of Madras

Profession(s): Music Director, Singer

Date of Birth: 6 January 1967 (Friday)

Age (as of 2025): 58 Years

Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Religion: Islam (converted from Hinduism)

Age: 58 Years

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EDUCATION

School: Padma Seshadri Bal Bhavan, Chennai

College: Madras Christian College, Chennai Trinity College of Music, Oxford University, United Kingdom

Educational Qualification: Degree in Western Classical Music

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 5″ (165 cm)

Weight (approx.): 70 Kg (154 lbs)

Eye Colour: Brown

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – R. K. Shekhar (Music Composer) Mother – Kareema Beegum Brother – None Sisters – A. R. Reihana, Fathima Rafiq and Ishrath Qadri

Marital Status: Separated

Wife/Spouse: Saira Banu (m.12 March 1995)

Children: Daughter – Khatija, Rahima Son – Ameen

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Music Director: Roja (1992, Tamil & Hindi) Album: Vande Mataram (1997)

Awards, Honours: National Film Award 1992 – Best Music Direction – Roja 1996 – Best Music Direction – Minsara Kanavu 2001 – Best Music Direction – Lagaan 2002 – Best Music Direction – Kannathil Muthamittal 2017 – Best Music Direction – Kaatru Veliyidai 2017 – Best Music Direction – Mom 2024 – Best Music Director – Ponniyin Selvan: I Academy Award 2009 – Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Jai Ho” – Slumdog Millionaire BAFTA Award 2009 – Best Film Music – Slumdog Millionaire Grammy Award 2009 – Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture for “Jai Ho” – Slumdog Millionaire Honours 1995 – Kalaimamani by the Government of Tamil Nadu 2000 – Padma Shri by the Government of India 2001 – Awadh Samman by the Government of Uttar Pradesh 2004 – National Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh 2010 – Padma Bhushan by the Government of India

MONEY FACTOR

Salary (approx.): Rs. 5-8 crore/film

Net Worth (approx.): Rs. 163 crore

OTHER INFORMATION

Address: Kodambakkam, Chennai

Hobbies: Playing the Keyboard

Food: Palak Paneer, Rasam-Rice

Musician(s): Ilayaraja , Mohammad Rafi , Michael Jackson

Destination(s): Chennai, Mumbai, London

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. R. Rahman, originally named A. S. Dileep Kumar, embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead him to become one of the most celebrated composers in the world. His early life was marked by a significant spiritual transformation when, after witnessing his sister experience profound relief from a serious illness, Rahman and his family converted from Hinduism to Islam. This pivotal moment in 1989 set the stage for his illustrious career, defined by a blend of cultural influences and innovative musical styles. Despite having aspirations of becoming a computer engineer, Rahman’s true calling was music—an interest nurtured from a young age under the guidance of Master Dhanraj, reflecting the legacy of his father.

Rahman’s academic journey was unconventional; he scored 62% in his board exams but opted not to attend college, instead preferring the company of older mentors. His passion for music began to flourish in the late 1980s when he played in the band “Roots” and later joined “Nemesis Avenue,” where he served both as a producer-arranger and performer. During this time, he also began composing jingles for advertisements, with his first work for Alwyn’s trendy range of watches leading to the creation of around 300 commercial compositions over a five-year span. These formative experiences paved the way for his entry into the film industry, where he would soon make his mark.

In 1991, Rahman was introduced to the esteemed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, an encounter that changed his life forever. The director was captivated by Rahman’s talent, leading to his breakthrough with the score for the film “Roja” in 1992. This soundtrack earned international acclaim, later being listed among TIME’s “10 Best Soundtracks” of all time. Interestingly, his very first film composition was for the Malayalam movie “Yodha,” starring Mohanlal. By 2004, Rahman had cemented his status as one of the world’s all-time top-selling recording artists, with staggering sales figures that included 200 million cassettes and 150 million recordings of his soundtracks, showcasing his unique ability to resonate with audiences globally.

Rahman’s creativity is not confined to any single genre; although he enjoys composing across various styles, romantic music holds a special place in his heart. In 2008, he founded the KM College of Music and Technology in Chennai, inaugurated by Mukesh Ambani, reflecting his commitment to nurturing musical talent. His Oscar-winning song “Jai Ho,” originally composed for the film “Yuvvraaj,” became a part of the global phenomenon “Slumdog Millionaire,” further elevating his international profile. Acknowledged not just for his musical genius, Rahman is also an advocate for social causes, serving as the global ambassador for the WHO’s “Stop TB Partnership” and supporting “Save the Child” initiatives in India.

Honors continued to pour in for Rahman throughout his career, including a street named after him in Markham, Ontario, Canada, in 2013, a tribute that was renewed in 2022. In a heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude for this recognition, emphasizing his desire to inspire and connect with more people. His commitment to his craft is as strong as ever; he revealed in a May 2024 interview that his mother had once sold her jewellery to acquire the first equipment for his music studio. This poignant detail encapsulates not only his humble beginnings but also the unwavering support he received from his family, fueling his rise to global prominence.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.