A.R. Rahman, in concert. This composer revolutionised live shows, and with elaborate electronics, he achieved a level of perfection in sound seldom experienced on stage. Photo: K. Murali Kumar
Actor Tia Carrere presents A.R. Rahman the Grammy Award for best song written for motion picture, television or other visual media. Photo: PTI
Rahman, the first Indian to win the a Golden Globe, poses with his prize in his Chennai residence. He won it for his work in 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Photo : R. Ravindran
Rahman won not one, but two Oscars, arguably the pinnacle of achievement in film, for his score in Slumdog Millionaire. In this photo from Hyderabad, free copies of The Hindu are being distributed in recognition of the achievement. Photo: Nagara Gopal
At home, recognition for Rahman has always been warm. He is seen here with actor Aamir Khan after receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi in 2010. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presents the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to Rahman in New Delhi in October 2010. Photo: R.V. Moorthy
Rahman's music quickly came to represent India's music in international events. The composer releases the 2010 Commonwealth Games theme song "Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto" in Gurgaon, Haryana. Photo: S. Subramanium
Rahman is seen here with violin exponent L. Subramaniam and the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi during the audio CD release on World Tamil Classic Conference in Chennai in May 2010. Photo: S.R. Raghunathan
A recent gig was his collaboration with SuperHeavy, LLC., comprising Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger, reggae maestro Damian Marley, Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart and singer Joss Stone. The image was taken during the filming of their video. Photo: AP
Rahman with his wife Saira Banu during an event at Hotel Taj Connemara. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
Rahman with his mother at a Press Conference in New Delhi. The composer has often hailed her an inspiration in life and music. Photo: S. Subramanium
In blockbusters like this DLF IPL closing ceremony in 2010, a Rahman performance doubles the glitter. Photo: K.R. Deepak
Rahman delivered genre-bending music for 'Rockstar', which starred Ranbir Kapoor (also in picture) in the lead. Photo: PTI
With filmmaker Mani Rathnam, who gave him his first break in the runaway hit 'Roja', actors Vikram and Prithiviraj during the film trailer launch of 'Ravanan'. Photo: Heena Lohia
Rahman's music has immortalised many voices in the industry. Seen on this New York stage with him are Hari Haran, Vasundra, S.P. Balasubramanium, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan, Sadhna Sargam and Mahalaxmi. Photo: PTI