AR Rahman breaks new record with 7th National Award
The 70th National Awards that were given today honouring excellence in Indian cinema during 2022 saw AR Rahman adding another feather to his already illustrious cap. The Oscar winning composer won the National Film Award for Best Music Director (Background Score) for his work on Mani Ratnam's Tamil epic, Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1, a blockbuster hit from last year.
He now has seven National Awards under his belt, surpassing all other music directors in India. He overtakes the veteran music maestro Ilaiyaraaja who has won it five times in the past with his last accolade coming in 2015 for the Tamil movie Tharai Thappattai. Other big names on this list of musicians include Vishal Bhardwaj (4 awards) and Jaidev (3).
Rahman’s tryst with films began when he composed music for Mani Ratnam’s Roja in the year 1992 which earned him his first ever national award. Over time Rahman composed music for films made across different languages that has consistently earned him several accolades including several national awards for movies like Minsara Kanavu, Lagaan, and Kannathil Muthamittal. His global success was confirmed by international awards granted to him such as Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.
The latest victory of Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 is a testament to Rahman’s substantial influence on Indian cinema. For over three decades he has partnered with Mani Ratnam resulting in some of the most memorable soundtracks in Tamil as well as Indian film industry history. Four of Rahman’s seven National Awards have come from Mani Ratnam’s movies indicating a deep artistic collaboration between the composer and filmmaker.
Rahman’s music revolutionized Tamil film music by blending Indian and Western styles with path breaking sounds, which have left an indelible mark in the Indian music. By dint of this attainment, AR Rahman continues to inspire and set new benchmarks in the realm of music, thereby proving once more that his contribution to industry is second to none.
Reflecting on his success, Rahman has often advised aspiring musicians to remain true to their unique talents, telling them “Don’t let other people put you down. Just believe in yourself, pursue your passion, and one day you will surprise the world.” This is a mantra he has lived throughout his career as there simply can be no substitutes for him or his brilliant compositions.
He now has seven National Awards under his belt, surpassing all other music directors in India. He overtakes the veteran music maestro Ilaiyaraaja who has won it five times in the past with his last accolade coming in 2015 for the Tamil movie Tharai Thappattai. Other big names on this list of musicians include Vishal Bhardwaj (4 awards) and Jaidev (3).
Rahman’s tryst with films began when he composed music for Mani Ratnam’s Roja in the year 1992 which earned him his first ever national award. Over time Rahman composed music for films made across different languages that has consistently earned him several accolades including several national awards for movies like Minsara Kanavu, Lagaan, and Kannathil Muthamittal. His global success was confirmed by international awards granted to him such as Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.
The latest victory of Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1 is a testament to Rahman’s substantial influence on Indian cinema. For over three decades he has partnered with Mani Ratnam resulting in some of the most memorable soundtracks in Tamil as well as Indian film industry history. Four of Rahman’s seven National Awards have come from Mani Ratnam’s movies indicating a deep artistic collaboration between the composer and filmmaker.
Rahman’s music revolutionized Tamil film music by blending Indian and Western styles with path breaking sounds, which have left an indelible mark in the Indian music. By dint of this attainment, AR Rahman continues to inspire and set new benchmarks in the realm of music, thereby proving once more that his contribution to industry is second to none.
Reflecting on his success, Rahman has often advised aspiring musicians to remain true to their unique talents, telling them “Don’t let other people put you down. Just believe in yourself, pursue your passion, and one day you will surprise the world.” This is a mantra he has lived throughout his career as there simply can be no substitutes for him or his brilliant compositions.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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