Music legend AR Rahman is known worldwide for his soulful compositions and calm personality. While many fans are aware of his spiritual side, not everyone knows the unique story behind his name and how a Hindu astrologer helped him choose it.
AR Rahman Shares Story Behind His Name
Born as Dilip Kumar, Rahman experienced a major life shift after his father passed away. His family later embraced Islam, and Rahman began to feel that his original name didn’t truly represent who he was. “N“The truth is, I never liked my name. No disrespect to the great actor Dilip Kumar! However, somehow my name didn’t match the image I had of myself,” he said in an old interview with Dawn.
The name change happened during a visit to an astrologer, whom his mother had consulted for his sister’s marriage. Around that time, Rahman had also been thinking about changing his name. The astrologer noticed something special in him and suggested two names, Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim. “I instantly liked the name Rahman,” he said. His mother then added “Allahrakha,” meaning “Protected by God,” and the name AR Rahman was born.
Recently, the maestro opened up about another turning point in his journey, the time he decided to learn Hindi. Speaking to NDTV Good Times, Rahman said he once felt “humiliated” reading poor Hindi translations of his Tamil songs, which motivated him to master the language himself.
Now gearing up for his first-ever performance in Varanasi, Rahman said he’s excited to connect with the city’s history and energy. “I missed the opportunity before… I think it was meant to be that way. The call has come now,” he said. “It’s the energy and the million stories of Varanasi that I’m most looking forward to.”
Rahman’s journey, both spiritual and musical, continues to inspire fans across the world.
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Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.