His plunge into music making was early. The keyboard was his chosen instrument. He played with bands and churned out jingles for Television and Radio Commercials.

Immediate fame came with his debut as Music Director for Mani Ratnam's Roja. This was followed by acclaimed work in films - Gentleman, Kadhalan, Thiruda Thiruda, Minsara Kanavu, Bombay, Indian, Kadhal Desam, Dil Se, Iruvar, Jeans, Alaipayuthey and Kandukondaen Kandukondaen.

A R Rahman successfully made that crossover from regional to national and international acceptance of his music. His music for Hindi films Rangeela, Taal, 1947 Earth and Pukar has established him as the hottest music making talent for the Indian tinsel world.

Also acclaimed are his deeply moving music albums on national integration - Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana 2000.

He has already worked with such greats as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Apache Indian, Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, Dominic Miller, L Shankar, Kadri Gopalnath, Vikku Vinayakram, Ustad Sultan Khan and Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

A R Rahman's style is characterised by a trend-setting techno-sound that blends diverse influences - Carnatic, Hindustani, Western Classical, even Jazz.

This scholarship holder from Trinity College of Music, London, is known for his willingness to introduce new voices and give them a winning platform through his music.

A R Rahman's contribution to film music making has been recognised through several State and National Awards and the special honour of a Padmashri.