A.R.Rahman

                                          A.R.RAHMAN

Allah-Rakha Rahman born A. S. Dileep Kumar) is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist. A. R. Rahman's works are noted for integrating Indian classical music with electronic music, world music and traditional orchestral arrangements. Among his awards are two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, fourNational Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and sixteen Filmfare Awards South. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 2010 by the Government of India.In 2009, Rahman was included on the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people.The UK-based world-music magazine Songlines named him one of "Tomorrow's World Music Icons" in August 2011. Rahman's work have earned him the honorific nickname of "The Mozart of Madras", and "Isai Puyal" (English: the Musical Storm).

With an in-house studio (Panchathan Record Inn in Chennai), Rahman's film-scoring career began during the early 1990s with the Tamil film Roja. Working in India's film industries, international cinema and theatre, Rahman is one of the world's all-time best-selling recording artists.In a notable two-decade career, he has been acclaimed for redefining contemporary Indian film music and contributing to the success of several films. Rahman has become a notable humanitarian and philanthropist, donating and raising money for a number of causes and charities. In 2017, Rahman made his debut as a director and writer for the film Le Musk.

Rahman was born in Madras, India. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a film-score composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films; Rahman assisted his father in the studio, playing the keyboard.

After his father's death when Rahman was nine years old, the rental of his father's musical equipment provided his family's income.Raised by his mother, Kareema (born Kashturi),Rahman was a keyboard player and arranger for bands such as Roots (with childhood friend and percussionistSivamani, John Anthony, Suresh Peters, JoJo and Raja) and founded the Chennai-based rock group Nemesis Avenue. He mastered the keyboard, piano, synthesizer, harmonium and guitar, and was particularly interested in the synthesizer because it was the "ideal combination of music and technology".

Rahman began his early musical training under Master Dhanraj,and at age 11 began playing in the orchestra of Malayalam composer (and close friend of his father) M. K. Arjunan.He soon began working with other composers, such as M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, Ramesh Naidu and Raj-Koti,accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship from Trinity College London to the Trinity College of Music.

Studying in Madras, Rahman graduated with a diploma in Western classical music from the school.Rahman was introduced to Qadiri tariqa when his younger sister was seriously ill in 1984. His mother was a practicing Hindu.He converted to Islam with other members of his family in 1989 at age 23, changing his name from R. S. Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman (A. R. Rahman).

Note; As a big fan of A.R.Rahman I want to bring those beautiful compositions back, that does'nt mean I'll recreate them, but lets discuss 10 beautiful gems that he  created. These 10 songs which I'am discussing are'nt arranged according to chronological order nor any other thing, but just as they remain in my heart forever, I wanna cherish them once again.

01. Kurukku Chiruththavale

Movie: Mudhalvan (1999)

Langauage: Tamil

Singers: Hariharan & Mahalaxmi Iyer

Lyricist: Vairamuthu

This is such a song that can be etched on a marble stone with golden letters for future generations to cherish again & again, when ever I'am into this I cant come back from that heaven created only by Rahman. There is a strange melancholy & beautiful melody which is strongly glued together which attracts us to that song. The beautiful usage of folk beats & sarangi to create a village atmosphere is something beyond extra ordinary . That beautiful flute which comes in the gap between the vocals is the secret killer. What can anyone speak about this beautiful composition? Only Rahman has this capability to create such extent melodies. With this beautiful melody, amazing lyric of Vairamuthu sir makes it stand outstanding. Those poetic lyrics written by Vairamuthu sir are next to imposiible, if it has to be replaced by someone else. Hariharanji the true asset to the song, who could have expanded their legacy like him, he keeps on proving to us what he is upto. Mahalaxmi's voice is also one more valuable moment in the song. When legends come together like this, the song is screwed in music lovers hearts.

02. Hamma Hamma

Movie: Bombay (1995)

Language: Tamil

Singers: A.R.Rahman, Suresh Peters & Swarnalatha

Lyricist: Vairamuthu

The songs which shook whole India & went on to become the largest Indian selling album of all time in all languages irrespective of its origin are from Bombay, the Maniratnam-Rahman's magic. Who could forget this peppy track 'Hamma Hamma' sung very effectively by A.R.Rahman , Suresh Peters & beautifully hummed by Swarnalatha. Usually songs get recreated only when we cant forget them, so this is the one which got recreated in Ok Jaanu this year. There is nothing wrong in saying that , no concert of Rahman sir would be complete without this song, it is that viral. From 1995-2017 is there any change in his music nor this song, its the same rocking song, which remains in our heart forever. That beautiful Shehnai sound & that Thumba beats, are yet played in my heart, whenever this song comes into my mind. How bad you'r mood is , no problem this song will surely make you tap your feet at any moment in your life.

03. Anjali Anjali

Movie: Duet (1994)

Language: Tamil

Singers: S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & K.S.Chithra

Lyricist: Vairamuthu

If you wanna know whats the meaning of a cult classic is, then listen to this masterpiece. Not only this all songs of Balchanderji's Duet sound classic. Rahman has created utmost beautiful & perfect tracks for this film. This was the film which even welcomed the comeback of legendary Susheela amma with Mettupodu song. When one listens to this, they will be lost with the magic of poetry & music. Rahman-Vairamuthu did they fail atleast once? atleast once? never, that never happens.This song is based on Maand raagam. The greatest saxophonic instrumentation by Kadri Gopinath is a sure mention. If you ever wonder what is the capability of vocalists? & how can they help song illuminate like this? then go with SPB-Chithra's duet, this legendary combination is the best in India, thats what I feel. The way they sustain "Anjali Anjali" kills us, what a range they have. Especially Chithra when she hyms that aalaps in between, it is like musical showers from heaven, it even takes 2-3 minutes time to think what she has sung actually, thats the professionality she shows. The flute in interlude is an example for Rahman's solidity.

04. Barso Re

Movie: Guru (2007)

Language: Hindi

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal & Uday Mazmudar

Lyricist: Gulzar

How is Vairamuthu-Rahman combination in Tamil, like taht is Gulzar-Rahman's combo. These legends one with their music & the other with their lyrics make us dance in rain surely. Coming to this peppy-melody I always wonder what is the need to compose this song in such a complicated way? Purely Rahman sir's things. When accepting Filmfare award for best play back singer Shreya told that initially while recording this song, she frightened whether she could atleast hear her voice when she was singing those lower notes. That is the way Rahman sir composes. When ever I hear to this, it reminds me of Aishwarya Rai, A.R.Rahman, Rain & Shreya Ghoshal. Total bliss to listen to this, this proved Shreya's potential to reach any height.

05. Jai Ho

Movie: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Language: English & Hindi

Singers: Shukwinder Singh, Vijay Prakash, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Choir Group

Lyrics: Gulzar & Tanvi Shah(Rap)

The song which won oscar award, for the mastero. As it won oscar it is'nt my favorite but for its keen sense of music & amazing power packed singing. The instrumentation by Rahman will make atleast one to sit on the chair properly? probably no one. Even the disabled dance with spirit hearing to this wonderful song. The song which rose the Indian's spirit high, the song which made whole India proud & I dont even have any right to talk about its music nor orchestration. One thing which makes Rahman supirior is, he does what his heart says thats it, not anything else. Usage of Shukwinderji's vocals made it like a transformer burst instantly.He has given 440 volt power house performance. The beautiful rap by Tanvi & Mahalaxmi make it more beautiful. Vijay is a icing on cake. The beats which rock the stage are like a boom.

06. Pachani Chilukalu

Movie: Bharateeyudu (1997)

Language: Telugu

Singers: Dr.K.J.Yesudas

Lyrics: Bhuvanachandra

Though this song is made initially in Tamil, I love this Telugu version. When it comes to a melody mixed with village folkness who can create this other than Rahman. This Rahman-Shankar combo is one more amazing stuff that has happened to the film industry. When it comes to Yesudasji, the first song I remember of him is this one. The way he has put his soul in it is indescribable. Rahman sirs pure bliss is boosted with the legendary voice of Yesudas ji. This is one more song which is to be etched on that marble stone.

07. Erani Kuradhani

Movie: Kadhalan (1994)

Langauage: Tamil

Singers: S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & S.Janaki

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

This was the time when we almost forgot Janaki's voice & are travelling along with Chithra, but suddenly she entered with this song of Rahman as a boom & showered her prowess. This folk romantic duet with classical beats make it an evergreen melody. If this song is remembered, that is only for the sake of Rahman & Janaki amma. The way she sang makes any music lover go bonkers about it. 

08. Kadhal Rojave

Movie: Roja (1992)

Language: Tamil

Singers: S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & Sujatha

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

1992 wah!! what a year it was? the start of modern music era (I mean Rahman's era)!!The way he composed music for this Maniratnam's soulful story is indescribable again. Indeed Roja is the favorite album for hundreds of Rahman's fans & music lovers, I'am one among them. When ever I hear to this I'll be in Kashmir along with Aravind Samy & Madhoo, thats the effect impacted by Rahman.Vairamuthu sir makes us cry. Thats why that combo is magical. SPB!! a greatest boon to musical industry right!! who would have sung that effectively other than him? probably not even one. Sujatha's lovely humming makes her more innocent & SPB's soulful rendition makes us screw this melody in hearts of hearts.

09. Jiya Jale

Movie: Dil Se (1998)

Language: Hindi

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar & M.G.Sreekumar

Lyricist: Gulzar

The song which featured Lataji for the first time in Rahman's composition. magical Gulzar sahab's lyrics, Rahman's romantic composition make it indeed a beautiful melody. Lataji makes it more special. M.G.Sreekumar's malayalam lyrics are like asset to the song. Every moment in the song is busy with something & makes it top the playlists of any music lover.

10. Kannalanae

Movie: Bombay (1995)

Langauge: Tamil 

Singers: K.S.Chithra & A.R.Rahman

Lyricist: Vairamuthu

The song which should be etched on marble stone with golden letters, the song which shook whole India. If this song is being played the person who comes in front of my mind is Chithraji inspite of soulful instrumentation by Rahman & superb lyrics by vairamuthu. The song is Chithra's & no more of Rahman's. The way she showcased her prowess is something beyond extra ordinary. Even now any date any time when she sings this song, the concert hall turns into a theater with sounds of claps, whistles & shouts, thats the imapact she created. This song is included in one among the "1000 songs you must hear before you die" by British government. This is the only song which was included in that & this song is performed at Royal house at London. The history it has is endless.