Happy Birthday AR Rahman: Some unknown facts about the musical maverick

AR Rahman, also known as ‘The Mozart of Madras’, has come a long way to woo the hearts of millions of fans both in India as well as worldwide. His breathtaking voice and soulful music have made him win two Oscars in the same year for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. A music legend, an internationally acclaimed music composer, a double Oscar winner and an inspiration to everyone, he is undoubtedly one of India’s most renowned music maestros.

From rock to ballads to jazz to melodies, AR Rahman makes every music with sheer ease and utmost passion. As the icon is celebrating his birthday on January 6, let’s take a look at his few unknown facts.

Shares birthday with this person

The music maestro is married to Saira Banu and has three kids Ameen, Khatija and Rahima. He shares the same birth date, January 6, with his son Ameen.

Played 4 keyboards at once

At the age of 13, the music composer was seen in Doordarshan’s ‘Wonder Balloon’. He was famous there for being a wonder child who could play 4 keyboards at one single time. This exceptional talent and strong inspiration to pursue music despite financial troubles had inspired the viewers. The keyboard that he played as a teenager is on display in his Chennai studio.

Composed Airtel’s signature tune

The signature tune of Airtel 'Live… every moment' was composed by AR Rahman. The tune is said to be the world's most downloaded mobile music and has been downloaded by over 150 million people.

Wanted to become a computer engineer

AR Rahman never wanted to become a music composer. He wanted to pursue his career as a computer engineer. In a book called 'A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music', he is quoted saying, ‘I wanted to be a computer engineer when I was a kid. Electronic gadgets and technology fascinated me.’

‘Jai Ho’ was composed for other film

AR Rahman’s well-known song from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that is ‘Jai Ho’ was originally composed for Salman Khan’s ‘Yuvvraaj’. But producer Subhash Ghai did not find it a good suit for actor Zayed Khan in the film and so he used the song for his own production. Rahman was awarded an Oscar for the film.

First Asian to win 2 Oscars in same year

The famous music composer is the first Asian to have won 2 Oscars in the same year for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. He has also won many other awards in his long career and made a record as an Indian composer. In 2009, the renowned singer was added to Time Magazine’s list of World’s Most Influential People. Also, in 2005, Rahman’s debut soundtrack for Roja was listed by film critic Richard Corliss under TIME’s ‘10 Best Soundtracks’ of all times.

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