From Roja To Oscars: Honoring AR Rahman’s Journey As He Turns 58

Legendary music composer AR Rahman celebrates his 58th birthday on January 6. Known for crafting timeless music that transcends borders and languages, Rahman has captivated audiences with masterpieces ranging from the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire to the iconic Roja.

Rahman, born on January 6, 1967, is not just a composer but also a singer-songwriter, music producer, and philanthropist. His extraordinary contributions to film and stage have earned him the moniker “Mozart of Madras.” While he is best known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema, his influence spans global music.

Before his rise in the film industry, Rahman composed jingles for brands like Titan and Allwyn. His breakthrough came in 1992 with the Tamil film Roja, which was both a critical and commercial success. He went on to create memorable soundtracks for films like Bombay, Kadhalan, and Gentleman.

The composer’s Bollywood debut with Rangeela was a major milestone, followed by acclaimed works such as Dil Se, Taal, and Lagaan. Over a career spanning three decades, Rahman has received numerous accolades, including National Film Awards,Padma Bhushan, Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award.

To mark his birthday, choreographer Prabhudeva shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) of children dancing to Rahman’s iconic track "Muqabla," celebrating their long-standing collaborations. Rahman’s son, Ameen, also posted a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Born to lead, born to inspire—Happy Birthday to the legend I call my father.”

As Rahman continues to redefine music, his legacy serves as an enduring source of inspiration for artists and fans worldwide.

Let’s take a look at some of his iconic songs: