The 70th National Film Awards were announced today, honoring the best films and performances of 2022, and among the prestigious list of winners, one name stood out: AR Rahman. The Oscar-winning composer has once again made history by winning the National Film Award for Best Music Director (Background Score) for his work in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil epic Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1. This award marks Rahman’s seventh National Award, making him the most awarded music director in Indian cinema history.
A Legendary Career Marked by Excellence
AR Rahman, often referred to as the “Mozart of Madras,” has had an illustrious career spanning over three decades. His journey in Indian cinema began with a bang when he made his official entry into Tamil films as a music director with Mani Ratnam’s Roja in 1992. The soundtrack of Roja was nothing short of revolutionary, and it earned Rahman his first National Award for Best Music Direction. The fresh and innovative sounds he introduced were unlike anything the Indian audience had heard before, and it set the stage for a career that would transcend borders and redefine music in Indian cinema.
Rahman’s ability to blend traditional Indian music with global influences has been a hallmark of his work. His second National Award came in 1996 for Minsara Kanavu, another Tamil film that showcased his mastery over both melody and rhythm. By the time the new millennium arrived, Rahman had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian music industry.
National Recognition and Global Acclaim
The year 2001 saw Rahman winning his third National Award for the Hindi film Lagaan. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Lagaan was a critical and commercial success, and its music played a significant role in its appeal. The soundtrack was an eclectic mix of Indian classical, folk, and Western music, and it resonated with audiences not just in India but around the world.
Rahman’s association with Mani Ratnam continued to flourish, and in 2002, he won his fourth National Award for Kannathil Muthamittal, a Tamil film that dealt with the sensitive issue of war and its impact on children. The soundtrack of Kannathil Muthamittal was a reflection of the film’s themes, and Rahman’s music added depth to the emotional narrative.
Following this, Rahman’s career took a global turn. He began working on international projects and gained widespread recognition with his work on Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. The film’s soundtrack, particularly the song “Jai Ho,” became a global sensation and won him numerous awards, including two Oscars. Rahman’s success in Hollywood opened doors for collaborations with international filmmakers, and he went on to work on films like 127 Hours, Million Dollar Arm, and Pele: Birth of a Legend.
A Triumphant Return to National Awards
Despite his global success, Rahman continued to be deeply involved in Indian cinema. After a 15-year hiatus from winning National Awards, he made a remarkable comeback in 2017 by winning two National Awards for Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai and the Hindi film Mom starring Sridevi. These wins reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest music directors in Indian cinema.
The recent win for Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 is particularly significant as it not only marks his seventh National Award but also cements his legacy as the most awarded music director in India. The epic historical drama, directed by Mani Ratnam, is based on the Tamil literary classic by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The film was a massive hit, and Rahman’s background score played a crucial role in bringing the grandiose world of the Chola dynasty to life.
The Mani Ratnam
One of the most enduring partnerships in Indian cinema is that of Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman. The duo has worked together on several iconic films, and their collaboration is often regarded as one of the greatest director-composer partnerships in the history of cinema. Out of Rahman’s seven National Awards, four have been for Mani Ratnam films, including Roja, Kannathil Muthamittal, Kaatru Veliyidai, and now Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1.
In an interview with Deadline, Mani Ratnam spoke about his first encounter with Rahman and how the young composer’s innovative sounds caught his attention. “And he (Rahman) played something he’d recorded for a jingle, and the sound was just unbelievable. It was something that I’d never heard before in such a small studio. But it wasn’t the conventional tools or the conventional form that he was using, so we worked with him for a few months to see if he could fit the story…to see if he could do what we required in terms of six songs and the background score,” Ratnam recalled.
This partnership has produced some of the most memorable soundtracks in Indian cinema, each one marked by a unique sound that pushes the boundaries of film music. Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman have together created a legacy that continues to influence and inspire filmmakers and composers.
AR Legacy
AR Rahman’s impact on Indian and global music is immeasurable. From his early days working out of a small studio in Chennai to becoming a global icon, Rahman has consistently pushed the envelope, reinventing himself and his music with every project. His ability to seamlessly blend Indian and Western musical traditions has not only brought Indian music to the global stage but has also paved the way for future generations of composers.
Rahman’s philosophy in life and music is reflected in the advice he often gives to aspiring musicians: “Don’t let other people put you down, just believe in yourself, pursue your passion and one day you will surprise the world. Also, while it is fine to get inspired by someone, find what is charming in your personality, develop it. Then everybody will come to you because no one else can be you.”
Indeed, there is no one who can replace AR Rahman. His music continues to resonate with millions, and with each award, he further solidifies his place in the annals of music history. As he adds yet another feather to his cap with the National Award for Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1, AR Rahman’s journey remains an inspiration to artists around the world. His legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to his craft—qualities that have made him a true maestro of music.
