AR Rahman's birthday: His journey from Hinduism to Islam

Celebrating his 57th birthday, AR Rahman stands as an influential figure in global music, marked by six National Film Awards, two Oscars, Grammys, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

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[{"selector":"#anim-33aa0a76-339d-4205-82dc-2cfa976dba9b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.478658424198585%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5e6a86f2-2a51-4841-8080-92438175f7e4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7ced97fa-128f-48a4-96b0-e9f1e54dd01c","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 226.17958%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Influenced by Qadiri Sufi teachings of love and harmony, he converted to Islam with his family, adopting the name Allah Rakha Rahman, signifying compassion.

[{"selector":"#anim-3dc9b19f-9eb9-45b9-b15a-e46e7042cf5c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-14.149677894049617%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8758af01-5c80-4805-b073-64c3fb348b0b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ab42214b-8b6a-4dab-8d94-f372dcf1d8ec","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 226.17958%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Rahman's faith never hindered his success; his global acclaim soared with two Oscars and other prestigious awards for "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours."

[{"selector":"#anim-86f2439b-4d0d-4c72-a228-2a9429788987 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-09a3f5a7-fdb0-4b7c-96be-b372de10dd10","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dda953da-a603-41b7-9492-0f5188587963","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 165.11112%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Crossing cultural boundaries, Rahman collaborated with icons like Michael Jackson, Sting, and Mick Jagger, performing at renowned venues like the White House and the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

[{"selector":"#anim-22944455-f4fb-4bdc-a4a3-712949c475b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-43.188476573978804%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5aad904c-4e85-4312-99a0-6d2c3c56d73c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f11c8e11-7869-4404-83d4-812fb2235d75","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 189.78290%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Honored with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Polar Music Prize, and Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, his religion mirrors his personal journey, influencing his musical and social endeavors.

[{"selector":"#anim-adeb4d93-607b-4491-b2c6-a6bd30898271 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.5927731013645205%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3309aa38-8d99-4d90-a03a-e1ad4f4204fe","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-73129bcc-04f0-48d2-b9b7-b6e4e3d00d6f","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 272.91092%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Rahman's life embodies the unity of faith and music, transcending barriers and inspiring millions globally.

[{"selector":"#anim-78744698-bd81-4295-8a45-33bf8f7c19d4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-51.48242194794608%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-af6ca92f-e9a3-40fd-b847-9b80c6ba53e9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fb294f2d-cd11-4190-94fb-d4f7fe6a8422","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 249.46725%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] His tale remains a testament to how faith and artistry intertwine, making AR Rahman a revered legend and an inspiration to fans worldwide. Read more