The Maestro Unveiled: The Untold Story of AR Rahman's Musical Journey

AR Rahman, the man who revolutionized the Indian music industry, is a name that needs no introduction. From humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a lesser-known story of struggle, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for music.

A. R. Rahman | Source: WikipediaRah

AR Rahman, born as A.S. Dileep Kumar, grew up in a small house in Chennai with his parents and four siblings. His father, R.K. Shekhar, was a composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films, and his mother, Kareema Begum, was a singer. Growing up in a musical household, Rahman developed a keen interest in music at a young age. However, his childhood was not without struggles. His father's sudden death when Rahman was just nine years old left the family in a financial crisis. Rahman's mother took up singing to support the family, while Rahman himself had to drop out of school to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Rahman continued to pursue his passion for music.

In his teenage years, Rahman joined the band "Roots" as a keyboard player, and later formed his own band, "Nemesis Avenue." He also started working as a session musician, playing keyboards and composing jingles for advertisements. But his actual  'big break' came in 1992 when filmmaker Mani Ratnam offered him the opportunity to compose the soundtrack for his film "Roja." The film's music was a huge success, and Rahman became an overnight sensation. The soundtrack won him the National Film Award for Best Music Direction, the first of many awards and accolades to come.

With "Roja," Rahman revolutionized the Indian music industry by introducing a fresh sound that blended Indian classical music with electronic music. His unique style was a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by traditional film music.

As easy and fortunate as it sounds, Rahman's success was not without its challenges. His experimental sound was met with resistance from some sections of the industry, who criticized him for deviating from the norm. Some even accused him of being unfaithful to Indian classical music by incorporating Western elements. Despite the criticism, Rahman remained true to his vision and continued to push the boundaries of Indian music. He went on to compose music for several critically acclaimed films such as "Bombay," "Dil Se," and "Lagaan," among others. His music not only became synonymous with these films but also played a significant role in their success.

Over the years, Rahman's music has evolved and diversified, encompassing a wide range of genres and influences. He has collaborated with international artists such as Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Akon, among others. He has also composed music for Hollywood films like "Slumdog Millionaire," which won him two Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscars.

A. R. Rahman and Akon | Source: Pinterest

Despite his global success, Rahman remains grounded and humble. He is known for his simple lifestyle and his philanthropic work, which includes supporting various causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

However again, Rahman's journey still couldn't continue without its share of setbacks. The illness forced him to take a break from his music career, but he bounced back stronger than ever, composing music for films like "Guru" and "Jodhaa Akbar" after his recovery.

In recent years, Rahman has also been vocal about his struggles with depression and the toll that the music industry can take on mental health. In an interview with NDTV, he spoke about how the pressure to constantly create can lead to burnout and how important it is to take breaks and prioritize mental health.

Even with all the challenges and setbacks, Rahman's music continues to inspire millions of people around the world. He has created a legacy that will live on for generations to come. His music not only entertains but also transcends boundaries and unites people across cultures and languages. This is a story of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from a small house in Chennai to becoming a global icon is an example for every young mind who dreams big. Keep working on your dreams and one day you'll have your own story which shall act as the inspiration for the next batch.