A. R. Rahman Biography: Songs, Religion, Movies, Wife, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Children

Allahrakka Rahman, widely known as A. R. Rahman, is a highly acclaimed Indian composer, singer, songwriter, and music producer.

Renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema, especially in Tamil and Hindi films, he has also gained international recognition for his work on projects such as Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.

Profile

• Full Name: Allahrakka Rahman
• Stage Name: A. R Rahman
• Born: 6, January 1967
• Age: 58 years old
• Birthplace: Chennai, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Composer, singer and songwriter
• Height: 1.65m
• Parent: R. K. Shekhar and Kareema Beegum
• Siblings: 3
• Spouse: Saira Banu (m. 1995–2024)
• Children: Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman, and A. R. Ameen
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $200 million

Early Life And Education

Allahrakka Rahman was born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India. His father, R. K. Shekhar, was a film score composer for Tamil and Malayalam cinema, and his mother, Kareema Beegum, played a significant role in his upbringing. Rahman has three sisters.

He attended Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan and Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School but left to pursue a career in music. He later obtained a degree in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music, London. Ethnically, Rahman is from the Tamil Mudaliar community and converted to Islam.

Career

A. R. Rahman began his musical journey in the 1980s, composing jingles for advertisements and assisting established musicians in the Indian film industry. His breakthrough came in 1992 when director Mani Ratnam entrusted him with the soundtrack for the Tamil film Roja.

The album was a resounding success, earning Rahman his first National Film Award and cementing his reputation as a revolutionary composer. His debut introduced a unique fusion of Indian classical melodies with modern electronic elements, setting a new standard for Indian film music.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Rahman continued to push creative boundaries with iconic soundtracks for films such as Bombay, Dil Se, Lagaan, and Taal. His 1997 album Vande Mataram became a symbol of national pride, resonating with audiences worldwide.

His international ventures began with Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s musical Bombay Dreams (2002) and the score for The Lord of the Rings stage production (2005). These projects marked Rahman‘s transition from a celebrated Indian composer to a global music sensation.

Rahman achieved worldwide recognition with his work on Slumdog Millionaire (2008), which won him two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, largely due to the success of the song Jai Ho. He continued his Hollywood journey with projects like 127 Hours and Couples Retreat.

Beyond composing, Rahman established the KM Music Conservatory to nurture young musicians and remains dedicated to philanthropy. His innovative approach and commitment to musical excellence have solidified his legacy as one of the most influential composers of his time.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @arrahman
• TikTok: @allahrakka_rahman

Personal Life

A. R. Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995, and the couple shared nearly three decades together before announcing their separation in November 2024. Over the years, they built a family and supported each other through Rahman‘s illustrious musical career.

However, after almost 30 years of marriage, they decided to part ways, citing emotional strain and personal challenges that had taken a toll on their relationship. Despite their separation, they remain devoted parents to their three children—daughters Khatija and Raheema, and son Ameen.

Discography

• Yodha (1992)
• Pudhiya Mugam (1993)
• Gentleman (1993)
• Thiruda Thiruda (1993)
• Bombay (1995)
• Dil Se (1998)
• Lagaan (2001)
• Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
• Swades (2004)
• Rang De Basanti (2006)
• Guru (2007)
• Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
• Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
• Recent Works:

Net Worth

A. R. Rahman‘s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million, positioning him among the wealthiest musicians in India.

The majority of his earnings come from composing music for films, while he also generates substantial income from live performances and concerts worldwide.