World-renowned composer and singer AR Rahman is set to be honoured with the Lakshminarayana International Award in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the world of arts and music. The award will be presented on December 15 2025 during the curtain-raiser ceremony of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival 2025 held at Rasika Ranjani Sabha in Chennai at 2 pm.
The Lakshminarayana International Award celebrates legendary artists whose work has left a lasting impact on global art and culture. This year the spotlight turns to the Oscar-winning music maestro whose compositions have redefined the soundscape of Indian cinema and resonated with audiences worldwide.
A two-time Academy Award winner AR Rahman has sold over 150 million records across more than 100 film soundtracks and albums. His iconic works include Roja Bombay Dil Se Taal Lagaan Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. Trained in Western classical music at Trinity College London he founded the groundbreaking Panchathan Record Inn in Chennai and made history with his debut film Roja earning a National Award and later securing six more the highest number received by any Indian composer.
Beyond film music Rahman continues to push creative boundaries through experimental projects such as the VR film Le Musk while also nurturing future talent through initiatives like KM Music Conservatory Sunshine Orchestra Firdaus Orchestra and his recent ensembles Rooh-e-Noor and Jhalaa. His philanthropic efforts through the AR Rahman Foundation focus on education empowerment and social development.
Recognised globally Rahman has been featured in Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People and was appointed Honorary President of Trinity Laban in 2024. His recent collaboration with Dr L Subramaniam revisiting the composition Dont Leave Me served as a tribute to Prof V Lakshminarayana reinforcing the deep artistic legacy behind the award that now bears his name.