What is the real name of AR Rahman and why he embraced Islam?

Oscar award winner legend went through many ups and downs in his life

Legendary music composer AR Rahman embraced Islam in the late 1980s, a decision driven by his search for peace. In a 2000 interview, Rahman shared that exploring a different spiritual path brought a sense of tranquility to his life and his family.

Why did AR Rahman convert to Islam?

Rahman revealed that his spiritual journey began during his father’s battle with cancer when a Sufi saint played an instrumental role in his care. Following his father's passing, Rahman and his family reconnected with the saint years later, which ultimately led them to embrace a new faith. Reflecting on this, Rahman explained, “We met him again after 7-8 years, and it was then that we embarked on a spiritual journey that brought us peace.”

A multi-faith household

In AR Rahman: The Spirit of Music by Nasreen Munni Kabir, Rahman describes his childhood as one shaped by diverse religious influences. While his mother followed Hinduism, their home displayed symbols from various faiths, including images of Mother Mary with baby Jesus and sacred sites from Mecca and Medina.

Acceptance from society

When asked whether his conversion to Islam affected his relationships, Rahman stated that their identity as musicians afforded them a unique position in society. “No one around us really cared. Being musicians gave us a certain freedom in society,” he commented.

The origin of the name AR Rahman

The composer explained that his mother chose the name “Allah Rakha” after having a dream about it, while the surname “Rahman” was suggested by other family members. In Kabir’s book, Rahman also admitted to his dissatisfaction with his birth name, Dileep Kumar. “I never liked my name. No offense to the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, but it didn’t resonate with the image I had of myself,” he confessed.

This thoughtful narrative sheds light on A.R. Rahman’s spiritual transformation, offering insight into his motivations and reflections, all while preserving the authenticity of his journey.

What was AR Rahman’s original name?

Born on January 6, 1967, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, A.R. Rahman was originally named Dileep Kumar Rajagopala. His father, R.K. Shekhar, came from a Mudaliar family and worked as a composer and conductor in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Rahman began learning the piano at the tender age of four.

AR Rahman’s personal life in the spotlight

In a poignant turn of events, Saira Bano, the wife of AR Rahman, announced the end of their 29-year marriage on Tuesday. Rahman expressed his sadness over the dissolution of their union, revealing his disappointment at not reaching the milestone of their 30th anniversary. He described their separation as “an unseen end” to their shared journey.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rahman reflected on the end of their relationship, writing: “We had aspired to reach the milestone of thirty years, but it seems everything bears an unseen conclusion. Even the divine throne might tremble under the burden of broken hearts. Yet, in this pain, we seek understanding, though the fragments may never fit together again.”

This emotional message resonated with fans and followers, marking a deeply personal chapter in the musician’s life.