AR Rahman

AR Rahman, known to fans as ARR, "Isai Puyal" and the "Mozart of Madras", is an Indian music director, singer and record producer who works mainly in Tamil and Hindi films, with many Telugu films to his name. He is best known for Roja, Bombay and Slumdog Millionaire (2008). His music for Slumdog Millionaire won him two Academy Awards, and in 2010 the Government of India gave him the Padma Bhushan. Rahman's film career began in the early 1990s with Roja, which won him the National Award for Best Music Direction in 1992. He went on to score Bombay, Kaadhalan, Thiruda Thiruda and Gentleman. Telugu fans know his music from Iddaru (1997), Prematho (1998), Oke Okkadu (1999), Priyuralu Pilichindi (2000) and Ye Maya Chesave (2010). Couples Retreat (2009) was his first Hollywood film. His later work includes PS1 (Ponniyin Selvan Part: One) (2022), PS2 (2023), Ayalaan (2024), Raayan (2024) and The Goat Life - Aadu Jeevitham (2024). Rahman built his career from his own studio, Panchathan Record Inn, and also sings and writes. He wrote, produced and sang for 99 Songs (2021). His honours include seven National Film Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, fifteen Filmfare Awards and eighteen Filmfare Awards South, along with the Padma Shri in 2000. He is also known as a philanthropist who raises money for many causes.