AR Rahman turns 43

AR Rahman turned 43 on Tuesday, as television and FM channels played special programmes to mark the day but the music maestro said the celebrations were low key due to Muharram.

Speaking at the South India launch of a mobile phone, Rahman said the day was usual for him and there were not much celebrations as the Muslims mourn during the month of Muharram.

Rahman is an inspiration for many. For instance, acclaimed singer Sukhwinder Singh gives the credit of his success to the composer.

“Rahman has been a catalyst in my success because when everyone turned me down and ridiculed my song Thaiyan thaiyan, he was the only one to believe in me. With a few changes in lyrics, he gave me my first big success in the form of Chaiyyan chaiyyan," Sukhwinder said.

With 11 Filmfare Awards to his credit, Rahman has achieved the status of legend in the lives of upcoming singers who dream to work with the composer, at least once.

“Rahman can easily be termed as the living legend in Bollywood. He is one of the few people who made Indian music popular internationally. It will be a dream come true if I get an opportunity to work with him,” said Abhijeet Sawant, who won the first season of musical reality show Indian Idol.

Said Harshit Saxena, runner-up of Amul Star Voice of India: “Rahman always does an excellent job. Everybody has a dream to work with him, and being a great fan of his, I possess the same.”

The musician got his first big break in Mani Ratnam's Roja and later Rahman composed for many films in the south. The film was dubbed in Hindi and the songs like Dil hai chota sa, came as a whiff of fresh air for music lovers who wanted more from this musical genius.

Winner of numerous prestigious awards, Rahman has recently been nominated for the Golden Globe Awards for his score in Slumdog Millionaire.

So what is in Rahman's music that clicks so well with audiences the world over?

“Rahman's music spells magic. We actually wait for his albums. You can see his soul, hard work and dedication in his songs. He never compromises with his style, which is so distinct,” shared Prajakta Shukre, a finalist of Indian Idol 1, who is currently singing for regional films.

Abhijeet Sawant added: “Rahman has never gone with formula music and is on a different level altogether. A calm and soft individual, he has a very different vision. His music is never dictated by popular demand. He always experiments and that is what people like about him.”

With his upcoming projects Delhi-6 and Blue, Rahman's fans will have no dearth of good music to hear and hum.