A R Rahman – Mozart of the East

Post date: 28-Jan-2011 10:34:27

MUSIC IN HIS GENES: A R Rahman with his wife Saira Banu

It’s celebration time again for A R Rahman. He’s made it to the Oscar Academy shortlist in the Best Song category from the soundtrack of 127 Hours. Rahman has already bagged two Oscars, two Grammys, a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.

2010 was a mixed year for Rahman. His Commonwealth Wealth Games anthem 'Swagatham...' received lukewarm response while ‘I will rise…’ has won him accolades.

Rahman first tasted international acclaim for his music in the Tamil film Muthu, which created ripples in Japan. His musical interest stems from his love of experimentation. He composes the song on his own and records each song in his voice before assigning it to his singers. Did you know that he starts work from 12 midnight?

Rahman’s career took off in 1992, when he scored haunting melodies in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film Roja, which was also listed in Time Magazine's ‘10 Best Soundtracks’ of all time in 2005. Then came Bombay that sold 12 million copies worldwide, becoming the highest selling Indian album of all time. Since then, he has become India’s most-loved music director, with millions (both young and old) following his music.  

The 45-year-old finally won recognition as India's first truly global film music composer with his score for Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire. His Oscar speech was quite touching, especially when he acknowledged his mother: "Mere pass ma hai, which means even if I have got nothing I have my mother here."

My Desert Island Discs will include songs from Roja, Lagaan, Bombay, Kadhalan, Swades, Dil Se, Rangeela, Alaipayuthey and Rang De Basanti.