A Rhapsody of Triumph: A.R. Rahman’s Symphony of Six National Awards

Tanisha Sharma August 16, 2023August 21, 2023 AR Rehman, Bombay, National Awards, Roja

The music industry has forever been blessed with the eminent presence of A.R. Rahman, global music icon that resonates with exceptional talent and epitomizes humility at its finest. From his early enchanting compositions in Roja to his recent heart-rending numbers in 99 Songs, the ‘Mozart of Madras’ has continuously awed worldwide audiences with his ethereal musical intelligence. He scaled his journey to the pinnacle of success, recently marking a phenomenal achievement – A.R. Rahman now proudly holds a treasure trove of six National Awards.

A New Era Begins: The First National Award

Dawning his illustrious career with the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in his debut film Roja, Rahman set an elevated standard early on. This 1992 award marked the advent of a new era, one that listened to the magical tunes of a man who would later become a living legend. Roja’s music, a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Indian sounds and contemporary global music, created an ideal illustration of unity in diversity, leading Rahman to his rightful place in the Indian hearts.

Steady Journey to Recognition: From Bombay to Lagaan

Rahman’s journey of collecting national accolades continued as he won his second in 1996 for his soul-stirring soundtrack in Rajiv Menon’s Minsara Kanavu (Tamil). His next notable win distinguished his instrumental genius in the background score for the acclaimed film Lagaan in 2001. Deeply rooted in folklore and local traditions, the music of Lagaan had a striking global appeal, a code a brilliant Rahman always cracks.

The Fourth National Award for Kaatru Veliyidai

The year 2002 saw him adding another feather to his cap with his evocative compositions for The Legend of Bhagat Singh, while the music from the Tamil film, Kannathil Muthamittal in the same year, earned him his fourth National award. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of Indian classical music with electronic music and world music elements marked each of these soundtracks as strikingly original.

The Golden Year of 2017: A Twin Triumph

In the year 2017, A.R. Rahman’s musical brilliance bagged him his fifth National Award for the film Kaatru Veliyidai. In the same year, A.R. Rahman was chosen for his sixth National Award as Best Music Director (Background Score) for the movie, Mom.

Marrying the Old with the New: Rahman’s Musical Innovation

Celebrating these six National Awards not only marks A.R. Rahman’s meteoric rise in the galaxy of musicians but also epitomizes his constant endeavour to break barriers and conventions, marrying the old with the new, the East with the West, the classical with the modern.
Even after more than three decades of delivering stunning compositions, Rahman’s musical prowess seems to know no bounds. His music is not merely a relief to the ears but a soothing balm to the soul. Every composition speaks volumes of his dedication. Beyond the realm of language and culture, Rahman’s music perfectly encapsulates the idea of ‘unity in diversity.’
As we marvel at his extraordinary journey marked by these six esteemed National Awards, one can’t help but admire his consistent capacity to surprise his audience. Always exploring new horizons with his music, Rahman ensures his listeners sail along with him on this enthralling journey.

An Unending Symphony: The Timeless Maestro

Long may this symphony continue! A.R. Rahman’s sonorous tunes have become a focal point in the grandeur that is Indian Cinema, touching the deepest chords of countless hearts, within and beyond the borders of India. Today, we salute this music maestro, who wears humility as his crown and who continues to reign supreme in our hearts with his timeless melodies.

A Melody of Accomplishment and Unity

The six National Awards A.R. Rahman holds, are just the tip of the iceberg. With each award, every note, and every song, he is writing a melody of accomplishment and unity, a song that India and indeed the world, will hum for generations to come.

A. R. Rehman’s 6 National Awards

1992	Roja (Tamil)	Best Music Direction
1996	Minsara Kanavu (Tamil)
2001	Lagaan (Hindi)
2002	Kannathil Muthamittal (Tamil)
2017	Kaatru Veliyidai (Tamil)
2017	Mom (Hindi)	Best Background Score

A.R. Rahman Award Hierarchy

A.R. Rahman also won numerous awards for his contributions to music. Here is a flow chart of his award-winning hierarchy:

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He has won a total of 175 awards and has been nominated for 250 awards1. Some of his most notable awards include 6 National Film Awards, 2 Academy Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He has also won numerous awards from the Indian film industry, including 15 Filmfare Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards South.

A.R. Rahman’s Path to the Padma Awards

Renowned globally as one of the greatest composers of our time, A.R. Rahman’s remarkable journey has been richly decorated with numerous awards and recognitions, among which the prestigious Padma Awards of India hold a special place.

Rahman Received Padma Shri

The “Mozart of Madras” was initially honoured with the Padma Shri in 2000, barely 8 years into his Bollywood journey, which commenced in 1992 with the successful score for the film Roja. The Padma Shri, being the fourth-highest civilian award in India, recognized his innovative fusion of traditional music with modern soundscapes and his exceptional contribution to the Indian music industry early on.

Brilliant compositions followed one after the other, and with each, Rahman’s global renown grew. His music enchanted a worldwide audience, creating ripples internationally and notably earning him two Academy Awards for his exceptional work in the film Slumdog Millionaire.

Rahman Received Padma Bhushan

Amid such global acclaim, sixteen years after the bestowal of the Padma Shri, A.R. Rahman was presented with the Padma Bhushan in 2010, the third-highest civilian honour of India. This recognition solidified his standing as one of the most influential music composers in the country. Bestowed in acknowledgment of his timeless contributions to the world of music, this award has indeed added another golden feather to Rahman’s already overflowing cap of honours.

The Padma Awards are a testament to Rahman’s indomitable spirit and persistent pursuit of musical excellence. His innovative blending of Eastern classical music with electronic music elements and a variety of world music techniques sets him apart from his contemporaries.

A.R. Rahman has always been a beacon of humble talent, ingenuity, and resilience. His path to the Padma Awards wasn’t just a journey marked by brilliant compositions; it was a voyage where music became a medium, connecting hearts, crossing borders, and breaking linguistic barriers.

Today, as we look back at Rahman’s momentous journey, we can’t help but be mesmerized by his boundless creativity, his skillful mastery of sounds, and the magical ability to create harmony from chaos. The Padma Awards were, and continue to be, the nation’s acknowledgment and celebration of this legend’s extraordinary gift and his dedicated contribution to the world of music.
As diverse and versatile as his award-winning compositions, A.R. Rahman’s music career, marked significantly by the Padma Awards, continues to be an inspiring symphony. Just as a note flows into the next to create a melodious tune, Rahman’s journey seems to move from milestone to milestone, creating a harmonious sequence of extraordinary achievements.

Each note he composes, each song he delivers, is an eloquent testimony to his sheer brilliance and hard work. His music transcends boundaries, resonates within countless hearts, and unites people through a common language of melody and rhythm.

In conclusion, A.R. Rahman’s journey to the esteemed Padma Awards has been nothing short of inspirational. With each song written, each tune composed, he is creating a legacy rich with melody, harmony, versatility, and passion, a legacy that India and indeed the world, will cherish for generations to come. As he continues his remarkable journey, we look forward to witnessing many more sublime musical creations from this maestro who has beautifully become the rhythm of our lives.

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