From Roja to Peddi: How AR Rahman Changed the Sound of Indian Cinema

Happy Birthday, AR Rahman! Today, we celebrate the man who turned Indian cinema's sound into something magical and truly global. From that revolutionary debut with Roja in 1992 to winning Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire, you have changed how we hear stories on screen.

Those melodies from Roja felt fresh, emotional, and somehow bigger than the film itself. His background scores often spoke louder than dialogues — think of the haunting themes in Bombay or the epic sweep in Lagaan. They pulled at your heart without needing words.

The Mozart of Madras has taken Indian classical roots, mixed them with electronic beats, world music, and pure innovation, and given us a sound that is uniquely his. It's no wonder he commands immense adulation nearly 33 years since his debut.

Over the last decade or so, ARR kept experimenting, even as trends shifted around him. Some albums felt more experimental or tech-driven, and honestly, not every track hits the same emotional high as his earlier masterpieces — but that's the risk of always pushing boundaries. He has stayed true to blending live musicians with modern tools, and when he gets it right, it's still breathtaking.

Here are a few standout songs from the past ten years that keep proving Rahman's genius: "Agar Tum Saath Ho" from Tamasha was a soul-stirring ballad with Arijit Singh and Alka Yagnik that captures heartbreak so perfectly. Then there is the powerful "Marvel Anthem" he did for Avengers: Endgame (the Hindi version), blending epic percussion with modern energy. "Rihaayi De" from Mimi promo felt raw and uplifting. And tracks like "Moopilla Thamizhe Thaaye" carried that deep cultural pride.

These show the genius of Rahman can still create moments that linger long after the song ends. He has inspired generations. The most recent chartbuster, Chikiri Chikiri, is for a Telugu movie (Peddi).