Maestro Rahman’s music draws Oscar nominations

After becoming the first Indian to win the Golden Globe, music maestro Allah Rakha Rahman added yet another feather in his cap blazing a new trail getting a triple Oscar nomination in two categories, an unprecedented feat for any Indian.
The 43-year-old music wizard, nicknamed ‘Mozart of Madras’, who has enthralled audience in the country and abroad with his heartwarming symphonies finally got his due recognition on the international stage with his composition in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Rahman, born in Chennai on January 6, 1966, was nominated in the Best Original Score and Best Original Song categories for two of his compositions — ‘Jai Ho’ and ‘O Saya’.
Born as a Hindu, he changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman from S Dileep Kumar after his family converted to Islam in 1970s.
The music genius first came to limelight with his music for a Bombay Dyeing ad in 1980s which became very popular. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for his Tamil film Roja.
The music of the film was a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill renditions and gave Rahman his maiden Best Music Director trophy at the National Film Awards, the first time ever by a debutante film composer.
Rahman entered the Hindi film industry with Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
The music of the film became a rage and the genius continued to give some brilliant compositions for films such as Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti, among others.
Source: ibnlive