Birthday Special: 10 lesser known facts about the Mozart of Madras AR Rahman

A. R Rahman

Rahman was originally called Dileep Kumar, as he was born in a Hindu family. Later, he embraced Islam after his ill younger sister was cured by a Sufi saint. After embracing Islam, he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman (A. R Rahman).

The beginning

He started off liking the music when his father R. K. Shekhar gifted him a keyboard and thus, it became the turning point for his career. The keyboard that he played as a teenager is still on display in his studio in Chennai.

The music lover

In his younger days, Rahman wanted to become a computer engineer. But looks like he was destined to become the legend of the music industry. AR Rahman has won 4 national awards, 15 Filmfare awards and 14 Filmfare awards(South), as of 2014. In fact, out of a total of 138 award nominations, he has won 117.

His first salary

His first salary was Rs. 50, which he earned by operating a record player.

Humbler and down to earth

The peace-loving Rahman doesn't celebrates his birthday in a grand way. He offers the early morning prayers and visits the orphanage to ring in his birthday.

Loved worldwide

A street in Markham, Ontario, Canada, has been named in his honour in November 2013.

Rahman with his family

Rahman tied the knot with Saira Banu in the year 1995. The couple have three children – Khatija, Rahima and Ameen. Rahman and his son, Ameen share the same birth date i.e 6th January.

The music maestro

In 2012, Rahman revealed that he had received a Christmas card from the family of the President of the United States and dinner invitation at the White House.

The record breaker

Rahman is the first Asian to receive two Oscar awards in the same year i.e 2009. Apart from 4 National Awards, AR Rahman is also the recipient of Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The legend

He was GQ's legend of the year in 2011.