A.R. Rahman Reveals Embrace of Islam at 23, Credits Music for Helping Him Through Personal Struggles
Chennai:Renowned Indian composer A.R. Rahman, born as Dilip Kumar in Chennai, converted to Islam at the age of 23, many years after the death of his father, composer Shankar. Following his conversion, he was given the name Allah Rakha Rahman.
In an interview with Indian media, Rahman himself revealed that he embraced Islam in search of spiritual fulfillment. He shared that the decision brought him immense peace. In 2000, Rahman spoke openly about his conversion, explaining that his journey to spirituality through Islam had given him profound inner tranquility.
Recently, Indian filmmaker Rajiv Menon shared his perspective on Rahman’s decision to embrace Islam. Menon, who had worked closely with Rahman, recalled that at one point, Rahman did not speak Hindi, and he acted as his translator. Menon also mentioned the pressure Rahman faced, particularly from his family during significant life events, such as the weddings of his sisters. Despite these challenges, Menon highlighted that Rahman’s music played a crucial role in helping him navigate through difficult times.
Furthermore, Menon stated that music helped Rahman cope with his struggles, a sentiment Rahman himself acknowledges. He credited music for providing solace during turbulent times, allowing him to find a sense of escape and peace. Menon also noted that Rahman’s conversion to Islam led to a deeper exploration of Indian music and qawwali, enriching the country’s musical landscape.
Despite embracing Islam, Rahman’s family had diverse religious beliefs. His mother remained a follower of Hinduism, and their household was home to books and images representing various faiths, reflecting a multi-faith environment.
