Composer · India
A.R. Rahman
Lost his father at nine; music became his path.
Where it began
Born in Chennai in 1967, he grew up around music; his father was a composer.
The challenge
His father died when he was nine, and the family faced financial difficulty.
The turning point
He worked as a session musician from a young age, learning many instruments and technology.
The journey
His first film score in 1992 was a major success, and he went on to score many films in India and abroad.
The impact
He won two Academy Awards in 2009 for his work on Slumdog Millionaire.
What we can learn
- Keep learning your craft.
- Mix tradition with new ideas.
- Hard beginnings can shape your voice.
Tell the story
Speaking challenge
Retell A.R. Rahman’s story in 1 minute: where they began, the challenge, the turning point, and one lesson for you.
1:00
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.
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