AR Rahman: News

Born on January 6, 1967, as AS Dileep Kumar, Indian music composer, record producer, singer, and songwriter Allah Rakha Rahman is one of the finest music producers of the Indian film industry and has several national and international awards and accolades under his best. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Rahman had to struggle to make the ends meet for his family during his childhood after the demise of his father, RK Shekhar, an Indian music composer who mainly worked in Malayalam films. Known for his unique discography, Rahman has worked in both South Indian films and Hindi movies. After initially giving background scores for advertisements, and documentaries, Rahman got his break after director Mani Ratnam approached him in 1992 to compose music for his Tamil film ‘Roja’ for which Rahman received National Film Awards as the best music director. Rahman has given the background score of several South Indian blockbuster movies including ‘Kadhalan’ (1994), ‘Duet’ (1994), and Ratnam’s politically charged ‘Bombay’ (1995). Notably, at least 15 million copies of the soundtrack for ‘Bombay’ were sold worldwide. Rahman made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma's ‘Rangeela’ in 1995. Rahman has produced the background score of several blockbuster Bollywood movies including ‘Dil Se..’ (1998), ‘Taal’ (1999), ‘Lagaan’ (2001), ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’ (2002), ‘Swades’ (2004), ‘Rang De Basanti’ (2006), ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ (2008) and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008). In 1997, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India’s independence, Rahman composed ‘Vande Mataram’ which is one of India’s best-selling non-film albums. Rahman was appointed as the global ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a WHO project in 2004. He made his directorial debut with the 2017 movie ‘Le Musk.’ He is the recipient of six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, 15 Filmfare Awards, and 17 Filmfare Awards South. He is conferred with Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award by the Indian government in 2010. He converted to Islam, at the age of 23, in 1989.

28 Mar 2024

Diljit Dosanjh

'Amar Singh Chamkila' trailer: Diljit Dosanjh-Imtiaz Ali promise riveting biopic

Imtiaz Ali is a generation-defining filmmaker and he is back with his most ambitious project Amar Singh Chamkila.

26 Mar 2024

Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life': Silambarasan TR to replace Dulquer Salmaan

Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan are two bonafide forces in Tamil cinema.

24 Mar 2024

Ajay Devgn

'I had doubts...': Amit Sharma on casting Ajay in 'Maidaan'

There is significant anticipation surrounding the upcoming sports drama Maidaan, featuring Ajay Devgn and slated for April 10 release.

21 Mar 2024

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff to perform at IPL's opening ceremony

The much-anticipated 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony.

19 Mar 2024

Diljit Dosanjh

Diljit Dosanjh embodies 'Amar Singh Chamkila' in new BTS snippet

Imtiaz Ali is a generation-defining filmmaker and his upcoming film Amar Singh Chamkila is one of the most anticipated films among cinephiles.

09 Mar 2024

Prithviraj Sukumaran

'The Goat Life' trailer features Prithviraj Sukumaran's mesmerizing desert odyssey

After months of anticipation, the official trailer for The Goat Life (titled Aadujeevitham in Malayalam) has finally been released!

06 Mar 2024

Janhvi Kapoor

Official! Janhvi Kapoor to star alongside Ram Charan in 'RC16'

It's official! Janhvi Kapoor will star opposite Ram Charan in the highly anticipated film RC16, directed by Buchi Babu Sana.

05 Mar 2024

Bollywood

'Maidaan': Ajay Devgn unveils new poster; trailer release date revealed

Ajay Devgn's Maidaan's release has become a running joke as the makers have postponed the theatrical release date, way too many times!

26 Feb 2024

OTT releases

'Chamkila': Imtiaz Ali directorial featuring Diljit-Parineeti gets release date

Imtiaz Ali's much-awaited film, Chamkila, featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, is set to hit the OTT arena on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi.

19 Feb 2024

Tamil Cinema

Dhanush's 'D50' first look's reveal time out

Dhanush is one of the most known faces in Tamil cinema and the actor is known for his diverse range of characters. After the humongous success of Captain Miller, he is gearing up for his next venture tentatively titled D50.

Rahman defends reviving dead singers using AI for 'Lal Salaam'

Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman recently experimented with artificial intelligence (AI) to bring back the voices of two late singers for Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth's upcoming film, Lal Salaam.

23 Jan 2024

Tamil Cinema

'Ayalaan 2': Sivakarthikeyan starrer gets sequel; budget revealed

Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan has become a household name and his recently released sci-fi film Ayalaan has been raking in quite well at the box office.

23 Jan 2024

Rajinikanth

'Lal Salaam': Rajinikanth starrer's audio launch date announced

Get ready, Rajinikanth fans! The much-awaited audio launch for the superstar's upcoming film, Lal Salaam, is set to take place on Friday, coinciding with Republic Day, at the Sri Sairam Institute of Technology in Chennai.

06 Jan 2024

Happy Birthday

AR Rahman's birthday special: His top 6 film albums

Music maestro AR Rahman needs no introduction. Over the years, he has given us numerous melodious songs in many Hindi films including Taal, Swades, Rang De Basanti, Guru, Jodha Akbar, and the list goes on.

05 Jan 2024

Tamil Cinema

'Ayalaan' trailer release time revealed; know everything about Sivakarthikeyan starrer

Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure as Sivakarthikeyan's much-awaited sci-fi action flick, Ayalaan is set to premiere on January 12, just in time for the Pongal festival.

18 Dec 2023

Tamil Cinema

'Lal Salaam's 'Ther Thiruvizha' celebrates life and all things warm

Lal Salaam is one of the highly anticipated films in Tamil cinema, especially after Rajinikanth's humongous success with Jailer.

17 Dec 2023

Shah Rukh Khan

'Swades' 19th anniversary: What helped SRK starrer become cult classic

A film that shines brightly in Shah Rukh Khan's oeuvre, the 2004 pioneering, cult-classic drama Swades completed 19 years on Sunday.

11 Dec 2023

NewsBytes Exclusive

'Response is surreal!': Threeory band behind 'Roja' medley in 'Animal'

Music stirs your soul, transports you to a different world, and warms your heart's cockles in ways you deem impossible.

09 Nov 2023

Tamil Cinema

Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' announcement teaser registers 20M+ views

Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan is one of the biggest pan-India superstars. Over the years, the veteran actor has worked across industries and has delivered stellar content.

07 Nov 2023

Tamil Cinema

'Thug Life': Kamal Haasan looks invincible in new poster

Kamal Haasan is one of the most known faces in Indian cinema and the actor turned another year wiser on Tuesday.

06 Nov 2023

Tamil Cinema

Kamal Haasan's 'KH 234' is titled 'Thug Life'; cast revealed

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are two distinct stalwarts of Indian cinema.

06 Nov 2023

Tamil Cinema

'KH 234' first look: Kamal Haasan looks enigmatic yet daunting

Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam are two bonafide forces of Indian cinema. The duo is reuniting after three decades for a film, tentatively titled KH 234.

04 Nov 2023

Music Industry

X discusses favorite AR Rahman 'goosebump moments'—what's your pick?

Grammy, Academy, and National Film Award recipient AR Rahman is one of the biggest institutions of music in India. His inimitable discography and repertoire have only yielded musical gems year after year.

02 Oct 2023

Tamil Cinema

Sivakarthikeyan's 'Ayalaan' teaser to be released on this date!

Sivakarthikeyan is a bonafide Tamil cinema star, and the actor has done some stellar work, especially in the recent past.

13 Sep 2023

Music Concert

Chinmayi Sripaada backs molestation victims from AR Rahman's Chennai concert

Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has voiced her support for the women who reportedly faced molestation and harassment during a stampede at a recent AR Rahman concert in Chennai.

11 Sep 2023

Chennai

AR Rahman's Chennai concert goes horribly wrong—composer-singer finally responds

AR Rahman fans were in for a tragic turn of events when they reached the Adityaram Palace City in East Coast Road, Chennai on Sunday evening for his concert Marakuma Nenjam.

05 Jul 2023

Tamil Cinema

'Jayam' Ravi announces his next film, 'Genie'

"Jayam" Ravi is currently basking in the success of Ponniyin Selvan: II. Fans were eager for the actor's upcoming project and now he has announced his upcoming film, titled Genie. This big-budget film will mark his biggest project after the Ponniyin Selvan duology.

21 Jun 2023

Bollywood

Dhanush announces 'Tere Ishk Mein' as 'Raanjhanaa' completes a decade

Dhanush is one of the most adept Indian actors who has broken ground across genres over decades. His Bollywood debut film Raanjhanaa became a cult classic over time and is still hailed today for its music, helmed by AR Rahman.

12 Jun 2023

Music Industry

AR Rahman's daughter Khatija turns music composer

Khatija Rahman, daughter of Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman, is embarking on a new journey as she transitions from being a singer to a music composer.

04 Jun 2023

SP Balasubrahmanyam

SP Balasubrahmanyam birth anniversary: Revisiting iconic singer's National Award-winning songs

Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, fondly known as SP Balasubrahmanyam, was a legendary Indian playback singer who mesmerized audiences with his captivating voice.

30 May 2023

Tamil Cinema

AR Rahman to perform 'Maamannan' music live; details inside

Maamannan is an upcoming Tamil political thriller directed by Mari Selvaraj. The film was in buzz initially when the shooting started back in March 2022.

30 May 2023

OTT releases

Imtiaz Ali's 'Chamkila' starring Diljit Dosanjh first glimpse out

Imtiaz Ali is all about love. The love for intricate relationships or be it love for music or be it love for life, the Bollywood director is known for his visual poetry.

19 May 2023

Box Office Collection

#BoxOfficeCollection: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is slow amidst competition 

Mani Ratnam is a maverick on celluloid and has directed several modern-day classics, over the years. His recently released magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II has received positive reviews from critics and is loved by many all across the world.

18 May 2023

Box Office Collection

#BoxOfficeCollection: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is losing the momentum

Mani Ratnam is having a great run with his films. His recently released magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II has been loved by viewers and has had a humongous box office collection. The film also received rave reviews from critics.

17 May 2023

Box Office Collection

#BoxOfficeCollection: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is on a downhill

Mani Ratnam is genius of a filmmaker. Over the years, he has made some stellar films and his recent release is no exception. Ponniyin Selvan: II has been receiving love from all over the world. The magnum opus has been praised by critics and viewers.

16 May 2023

Box Office

#BoxOfficeCollection: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' haul drops significantly 

Mani Ratnam is currently the talk of the town, especially after the humongous success of Ponniyin Selvan: II. The duology has been a dream of Tamil cinema for six decades. It received critical acclaim too.

15 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is slow yet steady

Mani Ratnam is one of the most adept filmmakers in India and the director has produced stellar work over the years. His recent directorial Ponniyin Selvan: II has been working like a miracle and it has done quite well at the box office.

12 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' inches toward Rs. 350cr-mark

Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II is all over the moon!

11 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is stable in second week

Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II is having a dream run at the box office.

05 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' looks solid; anticipating higher collections

Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II is a prime example of how a box office biggie should perform on weekdays. The film had a great run in its first week and is touted to earn even bigger on weekends.

04 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is quite steady

Mani Ratnam is an adept director and he made the six-decade-old dream of Tamil cinema come true!

03 May 2023

Ponniyin Selvan

AR Rahman's composition in 'PS: II' faces plagiarism allegations

Last year, the Kantara makers faced allegations of plagiarism regarding one of its songs. While the controversy ruled headlines for months, a similar allegation has been pressed against one of AR Rahman's compositions for the movie Ponniyin Selvan: II or PS: II.

03 May 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' minting impressive figures on weekdays

Mani Ratnam is one of the most adept filmmakers of Indian cinema. The director has produced several landmark films and his recently released magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II is the latest addition to that list.

29 Apr 2023

Ponniyin Selvan

'PS II' OTT release: When, where to watch Mani Ratnam-directorial

The second installment of Mani Ratnam's magnum opus film series Ponniyin Selvan was released in the theaters on Friday.

29 Apr 2023

Ponniyin Selvan

'PS II' box office: Mani Ratnam directorial mints Rs. 32cr

After the worldwide success of Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022), Mani Ratnam is all set to witness the triumph of the film's sequel this year.

28 Apr 2023

Movie Review

'Ponniyin Selvan: II' review: Mani Ratnam's magnum opus is masterpiece

What led to Nandini's bitterness toward the Chola empire, especially for Aditya Karilkalan? Were the Cholas able to save their dynasty? Was Arulmozhi Varman saved from the waters? All these questions were answered with the release of Ponniyin Selvan: II on Friday.

28 Apr 2023

Box Office

Box office prediction: 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' will activate minting mode   

Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan: II is one of the most anticipated films of this year. After the humongous success of the first installment, fans are finally happy as Part 2 has been released in theaters.

26 Apr 2023

Tamil Cinema

'Ponniyin Selvan: II' global screening details out

Ponniyin Selvan: II is one of the most anticipated films of 2023. The sequel to Mani Ratnam's magnum opus has been in the buzz and it is on the verge of creating a sensation at the global box office.

26 Apr 2023

Mani Ratnam

'Not Hindi, speak in Tamil': AR Rahman to his wife

A video of AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu from an awards show is going viral on social media. Wondering why? Well, it is because Rahman asked his wife to not speak in Hindi, but rather in Tamil at the event.

22 Apr 2023

Ponniyin Selvan

'Ponniyin Selvan: II': Intro video released in Kamal Haasan's voice

Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: I left us with many questions: Why did Nandini turn bitter toward the Chola dynasty? Will the Cholas be able to save their throne?

17 Apr 2023

Tamil Cinema

Vikram Prabhu's first look from 'Ponniyin Selvan: II' is out

Mani Ratnam is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of Indian cinema. His recent directorial Ponniyin Selvan: I was a blockbuster and fans were eagerly waiting for the historical drama's second installment titled Ponniyin Selvan: II.

12 Apr 2023

NewsBytes Exclusive

#NewsBytesExclusive: Singer Nikhita Gandhi on why auto-tuning isn't the problem

She has delivered three back-to-back chartbusters. Earlier Shehzada's Chedkhaniyan and Munda Sona Hoon Main became popular dance numbers before they were succeeded by Tere Pyaar Mein from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.

08 Apr 2023

Prithviraj Sukumaran

'Aadujeevitham': Everything to know about Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer survival drama

Mollywood stalwart Prithviraj Sukumaran is gearing up to take the world by storm with his upcoming film Aadujeevitham, also titled The Goat Life.

07 Apr 2023

Box Office

Box office: 'Pathu Thala' has a crucial weekend ahead

Pathu Thala is headlined by the iconic Simbu aka Silambarasan TR. The film opened well at the Tamil box office but then the collection graph had a lot of crests and troughs. It is pitted against Vetrimaaran's Viduthalai Part 1 at the box office.

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