Oscar-winning music maestro A. R. Rahman — the only Indian composer to win two Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours — has often surprised fans with his personal journey as much as his musical genius. Born Dileep Kumar Rajagopala in Madras, Tamil Nadu, Rahman was introduced to music very early, starting piano lessons at just four years old, inspired by his father R.K. Shekhar, a respected film score composer.
Life changed dramatically for him after his father’s untimely passing. The family’s finances suffered, forcing Rahman to juggle work with his studies, and he often found himself emotionally overwhelmed during those years. It was during this phase of hardship that a spiritual encounter altered his life’s trajectory. Rahman and his family met Qadri Saaheb, a revered figure from the Qadiri Sufi order, whose teachings deeply influenced them and eventually led them down a new spiritual path.
At age 23, Rahman and his family converted to Islam, a decision born out of spiritual resonance rather than external pressure. In his own words, he explained that the journey “gave us peace” after years of struggle.
Rahman has also spoken candidly about his name change. In his biography AR Rahman: The Spirit of Music, he shared that he “never liked” his birth name and felt it didn’t match his inner identity. During a meeting with a Hindu astrologer — originally to check his sister’s horoscope — he was offered two Muslim name options: Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim. “I instantly loved the name, Rahman,” he recalled, noting that it was a Hindu astrologer who suggested his Muslim name.
Later, his mother added Allah Rakha (AR) to complete the name we now know worldwide — Allah Rakha Rahman.
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