Ace music composer A R Rahman has done it all, from winning the Academy Award for best original score to representing the nation on a global level. The musician has made every Indian proud with his contributions in the field of arts and music.

Fondly called as the Mozart of Madras, Rahman is considered as one of the most respected and popular musicians of all time across the globe and his songs are something that you just can’t miss.

On the occasion of his 51st birthday, we recall five instances when the ace musician made us all proud to be an Indian;

Jai Ho moment

A R Rahman composed the music for Hollywood film, Slumdog Millionaire, and was universally appreciated for his incredible tunes and the song Jai Ho. Rahman became the first ever Indian musician to win an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 81st Academy Awards. That’s quite an achievement to be proud of that the music maestro from India achieved. He also won the Best Original Score award at the Grammys, BAFTAs and Golden Globes in the same year.

He has united communities through his music

You just can’t hate the man. Rahman has a massive fan following in the Asian diaspora and is one of the most respected music artistes of all time. His songs have time and again showcased different religions coming together for a common cause. The musician’s fan following is the proof of the love and respect his fans have for him in such a diverse world.

He is a Mentor

Rahman not only composes great music but also cares for the aspiring artiste. He cares about nurturing them and provides various opportunities, where the young ones can proof themselves. Apart from teaching at the Berklee College of Music, Rahman has collaborated with the college to set up scholarship for Indian students. Well he’s someone who can inspire the young artists.

Vande Matram

The Vande Matram album was released on the occasion of India’s 50th Independence Day and is till date the largest selling Indian non-film album. The songs Vande Matram and Maa Tuje Salaam composed and sung by Rahman had a profoundly positive and unifying impact on the nationalistic and patriotic mood of the country. The popularity of the songs witnessed a worldwide reception and foreign critics have regarded the songs as some of the best songs from India

His collaborations with Hollywood musicians

Everyone remembers Slumdog Millionaire‘s soundtrack and the rewards that came with it. But only a few know that Rahman has collaborated with Hollywood musicians as well in the past. He has collaborated with the likes of will.i.am, Black Eyed Peas and The Pussycat Dolls. His collaborations with these musicians are another reason for his global popularity.