The golden boy of Indian music A R Rahman turns 44

Double Oscar-winner A R Rahman is looking forward to bring home his maiden Grammy award as he turns 44 today. The composer who won two Grammy nominations for his soundtrack from "Slumdog Millionaire", has never been the one for raucous celebrations and ringed in his birthday with close family and friends. From performing for US President Barack Obama to collaborating with international artistes, including Pussy Cat Dolls and Kylie Minogue to becoming the first Indian to win a Golden Globe and two Academy awards, Rahman has become one of the most sought after names in the industry.

Last year, he scored soundtracks for Bollywood films "Dilli 6" and "Blue" along with his maiden Hollywood venture "Couple's Retreat". Hailed by Time magazine as the 'Mozart of Madras', Rahman, according to a BBC estimate, has sold over 150 million copies of his work comprising music from more than 100 soundtracks and albums across over half a dozen languages. An alumni of London's Trinity College of Music, he was also honoured by his alma mater last year. Rahman was born in Chennai on January 6, 1966 as S Dileep Kumar. The musical genius lost his musician father R K Sekar when he was only nine years and had to support the family. Rahman's family converted to Islam in the 1970s. Starting his career by composing ad jingles, Rahman was first noticed for the music he gave for a Bombay Dyeing commercial which became very popular.