Renowned composer A R Rahman will be conferred with the Lakshminarayana International Award this year in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to music, the organisers of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival announced. The honour will be presented at a special ceremony on December 15 at Rasika Ranjani Sabha, marking the curtain-raiser to the festival’s 35th edition.
Rahman, one of India’s most celebrated musicians, has played a transformative role in redefining the soundscape of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, he has composed music for more than 100 films and albums and has sold in excess of 150 million records worldwide. His work has earned global acclaim, including two Academy Awards.
From his landmark debut with Roja to iconic scores in films such as Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Lagaan, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, Rahman’s compositions have left a lasting imprint across languages and genres. His first film itself fetched him the National Award, beginning a journey that would eventually see him become the most decorated Indian composer at the National Awards, with seven wins.
Trained in Western classical music at Trinity College, London, Rahman later established Panchathan Record Inn in Chennai, now regarded as one of India’s most advanced music production facilities. Beyond cinema, his work has consistently bridged traditional and contemporary sounds, earning him both critical and popular admiration.
In addition to his international honours, Rahman has been awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, underlining his influence on India’s cultural landscape. The Lakshminarayana International Award adds another significant milestone to his illustrious career, as the Global Music Festival prepares to celebrate its 35-year legacy.
