A journey through Rahman’s masterpieces on his 57th bday

Music composer A.R. Rahman, hailed as the Mozart of Madras, is celebrating his 57th birthday, even as the world toasts his musical prowess that has transcended cultural boundaries, earning him accolades and admiration worldwide.
The winner of 6 National Film Awards, two Oscars, two Grammys, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and the third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan, Rahman has been creating music that is a testament to the universality of emotions. His compositions evoke a range of feelings that resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Born in Chennai on January 6, 1967, Rahman is known for the transformative impact he has had on the film industry, playing a pivotal role in redefining the role of music in Indian cinema, emphasising its importance in storytelling.
In his three-decade-long career, he has composed and produced original scores and songs for more than 145 films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, Persian and Mandarin.
As Rahman, who is also fondly called ‘Isai Puyal’ (musical storm), celebrates another year of abundant creativity, here is a list of some of his most memorable scores for Hindi cinema.
Roja: Rahman’s breakthrough came with this 1992 film directed by Mani Ratnam. The movie stars Aravind Swamy and Madhoo. The debutant, won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction.
Bombay: Bombay not only gained immense popularity, but also established him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The 1995 Tamil romantic film stars Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. The soulful Hamma Hamma and Tu Hi Re remain timeless classics.
Rangeela: The soundtrack for Rangeela is a musical masterpiece, and it was Rahman’s first Hindi film with an original score and soundtrack.
Lagaan: A period drama starring Aamir Khan, and directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, set against the backdrop of British colonial rule, Lagaan featured a diverse and unforgettable soundtrack received high critical acclaim. (IANS)