Everything you need to know about A R Rahman: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
The musical maestro of Indian film industry, A R Rahman was born in 1966 in Chennai, India. Born to a composer father, R k Shekhar, Rahman had natural interest and talent in music. Since childhood he started playing keyboard, piano, synthesizer, guitar, harmonium. He was fond of synthesizer in particular as it was the ideal combination of music and technology. For his acclaimed musical composition, he was declared the Mozart of Madras. Rahman kicked off his journey in the ocean of music at the mere age of eleven, joining a musical troupe of Illayiraaja as a keyboardist and played in the orchestra of eminent composers that led him to the zenith of success. Later on, he joined Trinity College of Music in London, and passed out with a degree in Western classical music. Rahman got the first opportunity to enter into Bollywood in 1991 when he was asked by Tamil director Maniratnam to compose music for his movie Roja. His debut in the Bollywood brought him an immense success in the form of National Film Award, claiming the first music director to get National Film Award in a maiden movie. He also won a ?Filmfare R D Burman Music Debutant Award? for Roja?s Hindi version. From 1991 till date Rahman has become one of the most successful music director in Hindi movie industry and has accomplished many milestones by his music direction in the most marvelous way by using his exceptional perceptions. Some of the most successful movies under his music direction are Indian, Dil Se, Nayak, Bombay, Taal, Rangeela, and Jodhha Akbar etc. In recognition of his incomparable talents, Rahman has been the recipient of Filmfare awards for many times so far, including Padma Shri award in 2000.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): The Institute of Cost Accountants of India celebrated its Annual Day in which Mr. K. Rahman Khan, Minister of Minority Affairs was the Chief Guest and Mr. M.J.Joseph, Additional Secretary,Ministry of Corporate Affairs was the Guest of Honor.
New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) Hardly anyone doubts the power of prayer and almost everyone has a turnaround tale - maybe personal, or of someone else's - that credits the "miracle" to a prayer. Now while science and spirituality may not always see eye to eye, holistic treatment is now finding greater acceptance, and spirituality, among everything else, is recommended by doctors as part of the healing process.
Chennai, May 20 (IANS) Tamil actor Dhanush, who has begun dubbing for his upcoming Hindi debut "Raanjhanaa", says he finds the experience tough but wishes to give his best to satisfy his audiences.
Chennai, May 19 (IANS) The trailer of Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiyaan", which was supposed to be unveiled at the ongoing Cannes film festival, was called off at the last minute because the team is still working on the final output of the trailer.
Chennai, May 18 (IANS) Renowned filmmakers such as Deepa Mehta, Ashutosh Gowariker and Shekhar Kapur are floored by the recently released trailer of upcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Mariyaan".
Chennai, May 16 (IANS) Tamil director Bharatbala says that friendship is the pillar of the relationship he shares with Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, with whom he has teamed up again in forthcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Mariyaan".
Chennai, May 15 (IANS) Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, who managed to have a glimpse of one of the songs from superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiyaan", describes it as "epic".
New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) Germany-based Atlas Elektronix, a leader in naval electronics, has set up a subsidiary here to intensify its partnership with India's government-run institutions and also initiate and expand existing ventures with domestic firms.
Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Playback Singer Kunal Ganjawala, known for his songs "Hum dum suniyo re" and "Bheege honth tere", says in a couple of years the concept of hiring one composer for a film would become a thing of the past.
Mumbai, May 13 (IANS) "Raanjhanaa" director Aanand L. Rai has also directed a non-commercial film "Strangers" which didn't manage to garner much success at the box office. Rai said he has learnt a lot with time.
Dhaka, May 12 (IANS) A top leader of an Islamist party in Bangladesh was Sunday arrested for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the country's war of liberation in 1971.
Kolkata, May 11 (IANS) Malaysian pilot James Anthony Tan, a dyslexia patient attempting to fly half-way around the world in a single-engined aircraft, touched down here Saturday after completing nearly 36,400 km of solo flying.
New Delhi, May 11 (ANI): Bollywood's upcoming romantic film 'Raanjhnaa', which stars Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush, was promoted in a complete desi style in Mumbai.
Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Tamil actor Dhanush, who is set to make his Bollywood debut with Anand L Rai's "Raanjhanaa", minces no words in praising the Oscar-winning music composer of the film, A.R. Rahman, terming him a true Raanjhanaa.
Dhaka, May 9 (IANS) At least eight people, including a senior police officer, were killed and 10 others injured in a fire Thursday at an 11-storeyed garment factory here in the Bangladeshi capital, officials said.
Chennai, May 9 (IANS) Suriya Sivakumar, busy shooting for upcoming Tamil action-drama "Singam 2", is expected to join the sets of his new film "Dhruva Natchathiram" in June.
Mumbai, May 9 (IANS) As the title suggests, "Raanjhanaa" is a romantic tale and its director Aanand L. Rai is confident that people would love to believe in the ideology of his film.
New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) As part of the observances of the 152nd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) is organizing an international conference on Rabindranath Tagore - Envoy of India: His Vision of India and the World.
New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member of parliament walked out of the Lok Sabha when the national song was being played, drawing a reprimand from Speaker Meira Kumar.
Ghaziabad, May 6 (IANS) Ghaziabad police unearthed an illegal arms factory in rural Modinagar town of this district, police said Monday.
Chennai, May 4 (IANS) Tamil filmmaker Bharatbala chose Parvathi Menon for his upcoming romantic-drama "Mariyaan" because he finds her rooted to the landscape of the film - a factor he believes is very important while casting.
New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Doctors have time and again harped on the importance of using a sunscreen to protect one's skin. For many, however, choosing the right sunscreen is a tough choice, what with scores of products with various SPFs (Sun Protection Factors) flooding store shelves.
Singapore, May 2 (IANS) Ahead of the general elections in Malaysia, Sikhs in a town in the country's state of Perak have come out in support of their sitting Chinese-origin member of parliament.
Dhaka, April 30 (IANS) Bangladesh's parliament Tuesday elected Shrin Sharmin Chowdhury, currently the state minister for women and child affairs, as its first woman and youngest speaker.
Kabul, Apr. 30 (Xinhua-ANI): A cargo plane crash which took place on Monday in Bagram district in eastern Afghanistan has claimed the lives of all seven people aboard, a provincial source said Tuesday.
Chennai, April 28 (IANS) Even though Tamil actor Nakul Jaidev has crooned chartbusters such as "Kaadhal Yaanai", "Karka Karka" and "Naaka Mukka" in his decade-long career, he still prefers acting over singing.
Chennai, April 27 (IANS) Music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja crooned a song, composed by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman and written by Dhanush, in upcoming Tamil drama "Mariyaan".
Dhaka, April 27 (IANS) The toll in the building that collapsed Wednesday in the outskirts of this Bangladesh capital rose to 328 Saturday, media reports said.
Agartala, April 26 (IANS) The Tripura assembly Friday mourned the death of Bangladesh president Zillur Rahman, who died at a hospital in Singapore March 20.
Dhaka, April 25 (IANS) The toll in the building collapse on the outskirts of this Bangladesh capital went up to 191 Thursday as rescuers pulled out more bodies from under the rubble while feverishly responding to pitiful cries for help from those still trapped.
Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Imtiaz Ali's next film "Highway", starring Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt, will hit the screens Dec 13th. The movie is currently in its second schedule.
Dhaka, April 24 (IANS) Elected unopposed, Abudl Hamid was sworn in as Bangladesh's new president Wednesday evening at the Bangabhaban presidential palace.
Chennai, April 24 (IANS) Tamil actor Dhanush's wife and brother are wowed by his debut Hindi movie "Raanjhnaa", which shows him speaking in Hindi.
Chennai, April 23 (IANS) Tamil actor Dhanush has decided to speak in Hindi Tuesday because the trailer of his debut Hindi movie "Raanjhnaa" is set to release online midnight tonight.
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) There was a time when work and passion were two different things. However, with advances in the digital and electronic world and change in business practices, that demarcation line is getting blurred and new careers are emerging.
Kolkata, April 22 (IANS) Support from peers and training in soft skills are necessary to provide budding women entrepreneurs the initial boost to set up their own ventures, said a US government official here Monday.
Dhaka, April 22 (IANS) Abdul Hamid was Monday elected unopposed the president of Bangladesh which has been reeling under a violent political stand-off between the ruling and the main opposition parties.
Chennai, April 21 (IANS) Composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, nephew of Oscar-winning musician A.R. Rahman, will marry his childhood sweetheart Saindhavi, a popular playback singer, here on June 27.
Dhaka, April 18 (IANS) The editor of a Bangladesh's pro-opposition daily was sent to jail Wednesday in a case filed for publication of a report on the Skype conversation.
Chennai, April 17 (IANS) Southern actor Vikram, who celebrates his 47th birthday Wednesday, is busy shedding weight in China for his upcoming Tamil romantic-thriller "I". He has already lost eight kg for the film, touted to be a Rs.100 crore project, since it went on the floors.
NATURAL WITH BENGALI SPEECH
Ahmedabad/Pune, April 14 (IANS) Your bill reads zero in a restaurant in Ahmedabad and you are told the person who had come before you has paid for your meal. You get into an auto in the same city and the driver tells you you can pay whatever you want at the end of the journey. You shop in Pune and at the billing counter the salesperson tells you you can pay what you deem is the price of the product.
London, Apr. 13 (ANI): An Indian toddler is suffering from a rare disorder that has caused her head to swell to three times its usual size.
Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth will come together in a most unexpected way at the upcoming Cannes International Film Festival in May.
Chennai, April 12 (IANS) Tamil director Soundarya R. Ashwin has rubbished rumours that the teaser of her father Rajinikanth-starrer upcoming Tamil period drama "Kochadiyaan" will be released on the occasion of Tamil New Year.
New Delhi, Apr. 12 (ANI): India and Mauritius have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of election management and administration.
Imphal, Apr 12 (ANI): In a step towards promoting Urdu language in the northeast, a graduation degree course has been introduced by Jamia Misbahul Uloom Institute in Imphal.
London, Apr. 12 (ANI): The acting editor of a pro-opposition newspaper in Bangladesh has been arrested on several charges, including sedition.
New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Art in India has been an effective tool of social change for the last two decades engaging with issues, problems and politics in the society.
Dhaka, April 10 (IANS) Bangladesh's election commission has declared April 29 as the date to hold presidential election in the country.
New Delhi, Apr 9 (ANI): Minister of Minority Affairs K. Rahman Khan has said that in spite of substantial progress, there is a need for more effective implementation of minority area development programmes during Twelfth Five-Year Plan.
New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) The music rights of Dhanush-starrer "Mariyaan", based on a real life story, has been acquired by Sony Music.
Dhaka, April 8 (IANS) A two-year-old baby from eastern Bangladesh has died of H5N1 virus, the first bird flu death in the South Asian country, a senior health official said Monday.
Dhaka, April 8 (Xinhua-ANI): A two-year old baby from eastern Bangladesh has died of H5N1 virus, the first bird flu death in the South Asian country, a senior health official said Monday.
New Delhi, April 6 (IANS) Changing social norms on smoking and drinking and a fast-food dominated lifestyle are causing a growing number of young people to fall prey to hypertension and a host of other diseases, doctors warn.
New Delhi,April 1 (ANI): Nearly a decade ago I was listening to former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral addressing a think tank in the national capital on the international situation, particularly in our neighbourhood.
New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Three years since it came into being and promised free and compulsory education to all children in the 6-14 age group in India, redressing violations of the Right to Education (RTE) Act across the country has been apparently poor, a fact ascribed by the chief monitoring body to teacher shortage and lack of educational infrastructure.
Dhaka, Mar.31 (ANI): Police in Bangladesh capital Dhaka have arrested 16 people, including four Pakistanis, after they were found in possession of eight bombs and 12.9 million Indian Rupees.
Chennai, March 28 (IANS) Rajinikanth has started dubbing for his upcoming Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiyaan" and the work pace of the southern superstar has amazed Oscar-winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty.
Chennai, March 27 (IANS) The first look poster of Dhanush-starrer Hindi romance "Raanjhnaa" was released Wednesday.
Dhaka, Mar.26 (ANI): Bangladesh's Acting President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed on Tuesday led the nation in paying rich tributes to martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 War of Liberation against Pakistan.
Chennai, March 26 (IANS) Singer A.R. Reihana, sister of Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman, will spend an evening with as many 800 underprivileged children here as part of an event organised by Raindropss, a youth-based social organisation.
New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Muslims organizations have expressed skepticism over the home ministry's proposal to set up special courts for speedy trial of Muslim youth falsely implicated in terror-related cases, terming the move a "lollipop" for the community.
Agartala, Mar 22 (ANI): To mark the 93rd birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, a 10-day-long photo exhibition titled 'Itihas Katha Koy', was recently held in Agartala.
New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah will attend the state funeral of Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Friday, an official statement said.
New Delhi, Mar. 21 (ANI): Both houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day today following uproar triggered by members over a host of issues, including India's vote on a UN resolution against Sri Lanka and demand for a separate Telangana state.
New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Both houses of parliament Thursday observed a minute's silence in tribute to Bangladesh president Zillur Rahman, who passed away in Singapore Wednesday.
New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha Thursday paid tribute to Bangladeshi president Zillur Rahman, who passed away in Singapore Wednesday, by observing a minute's silence.
Dhaka, March 20 (IANS) Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman Wednesday died at a hospital in Singapore, said a media report. He was 83.
Dhaka, March 20 (IANS) President Zillur Rahman of Bangladesh died Wednesday at a hospital in Singapore, said a media report. He was 83.
Bangalore, March 17 (IANS) Stepping up preparations for the Karnataka assembly polls due in two months, the Congress said Sunday that it has finalized the list of probable nominees for all the 224 seats.
New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, who is busy shooting with Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda on different locations for "Highway", says it is a challenging journey.
Dhaka, Mar. 5 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee, who was conferred Bangladesh 'Liberation War Honour' here on Tuesday said that he has very deep attachment with this land, and added that he sees in this award a strong message of enduring friendship and brotherhood between India and Bangladesh.
Dhaka, March 4 (IANS) Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, a "true friend of Bangladesh", was Monday conferred the Liberation War Honour Award for his "outstanding contribution" to the 1971 war even as the country sees a massive youth-led uprising for "justice" for those who died in the conflict.
Dhaka, Mar. 3 (ANI): Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni on Sunday said that the Boundary Agreement 1974 with India will be placed before parliament for approval soon.
Dhaka, March 3 (IANS) Bangladesh Sunday accorded a red-carpet welcome to President Pranab Mukherjee, complete with a 21-gun salute, as he arrived here on a three-day visit, his first trip abroad as India's head of state.
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee left for Bangladesh for a three-day official visit on the morning of Sunday.
Dhaka, March 3 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee arrived in the Bangladesh capital Sunday morning.
New Delhi, Mar 3 (ANI): Seeking to convey India's commitment to sort out unresolved issues with its eastern neighbour, President Pranab Mukherjee left on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh today.
New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee left here Sunday morning on a three-day visit to Bangladesh.
Chennai, Feb 28 (IANS) Superstar Rajinikanth along Tamil director K.S Ravikumar watched the first edited copy of his upcoming Tamil period-drama "Kochadaiyaan" Thursday here.
New Delhi, Feb 24 (IANS) India came from behind to beat Bangladesh 5-1 for their fifth consecutive win in the Hero Hockey World League Round 2 and move into the third round of the league at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Sunday.
New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Mamunur Rahman Chayan's four goal corner burst for Bangladesh helped defeat Fiji 8-4 in the men's Hockey World League Round 2 match here at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium Saturday.
Los Angeles, Feb 11 (IANS) Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R Rahman attended the 55th Annual Grammy Awards held here Sunday night along with wife Saira Banu.
Islamabad, Feb 10 (IANS) The Taliban are neither serious nor sincere about peace talks with the government, Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) When voices against freedom of expression in arts are getting shriller, "The Sahmat Collection: Art and Activism in India since 1989" will explore the connection between Indian art and politics, in Chicago.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Bollywood is a key platform but disc jockeying is still a nascent field in India with many DJs depending on weddings to bring in the money, says celebrity DJ Khushi who believes the time has come for media and music labels to support his tribe with the "right infrastructure and vision".
London, Feb 7(ANI): Muhammad Ali's brother, Rahman has slammed his sister-in-law wife for mistreating his elder sibling, and he also accused her of being only concerned with the 71-year old boxing legend's money.
Dhaka, Jan 28 (IANS) Bangladesh and India Monday signed two crucial agreements, an extradition treaty and a friendlier visa regime, on the first day of the two-day visit here of India's Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.
Cairo, Jan 27 (IANS) At least three people were killed and over 437 injured Sunday in Egypt's seaside city of Port Said during a mass funeral for the victims of Saturday's clashes between security forces and protesters, reported Xinhua citing city hospital chief Abdel-Rahman Farag.
Mumbai, Jan 25 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan believes that while Oscars may be the biggest film awards, Indians should take pride in their own awards.
Chennai, Jan 23 (IANS) Tamil actress Thulasi Nair, who will be seen in forthcoming romantic-drama "Kadal", says her love for her elder sister, actress Karthika, won't be replaced by competition.
Chennai, Jan 17 (IANS) Thulasi Nair faced the camera for the first time for forthcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Kadal" and didn't experience any butterflies in her stomach.
Chennai, Jan 16 (IANS) Tamil actor Karthik says he knew his son Gautham Karthik, who is making his debut with Mani Ratnam's forthcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Kadal", was in safe hands and that was why he never visited him on the sets.
Chennai, Jan 16 (IANS) Southern filmmaker Mani Ratnam has had a two-decade association with music composer A.R. Rahman but says he still hasn't figured out quite how the Mozart of Madras works.
Chennai, Jan 15 (IANS) Tamil lyricist Madhan Karky credits Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman for his love for music.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Saying South Asian art is political and there was a need to develop a South Asian identity through art, Mahbubur Rahman, described by critics as one of the biggest names of Bangladesh's contemporary art, says through their works, his compatriots want to escape the memories of the 1947 partition of the sub-continent and the 1971 liberation war and do not want to "remember the reality of the past".
Washington, Jan 14 (ANI): The head of the US House Homeland Security Committee has urged President Barack Obama not to cave in to renewed pleas by Egyptian authorities to release the "Blind Sheikh", who had been a convicted terrorist 'with American blood on his hands."
Chennai, Jan 12 (IANS) The Tamil lullaby "Kanney Kanmaniaye.. Aararo, Aararo" sung by her, perhaps has robbed Carnatic music vocalist Bombay Jayashri Ramnath of her sleep, what with the excitement of being nominated for the Oscar. More importantly, it has reinforced her faith in the reach of Indian classical music.
New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Bangladesh will expose Indian art lovers to its contemporary art in a move to project its soft power in the region.
