Allahrakka Rahman aka AR Rahman as millions of music lovers across the world know him, celebrates his 52nd birthday today. Music had always been in him, and after beginning his musical career playing for orchestras as a keyboard player and working for legendary composers like MS Viswanathan, Ilayaraja and many others, it was in 1992 with Maniratnam's Roja that he got his film debut. The 25 year old youngster scored chartbuster numbers besides also impressing with his background score that got him his first National award, and he went on to become a name to reckon with in the industry.

More success followed with exciting collaborations as the focus of Kollywood makers shifted towards Rahman, and it was an impeccable feat at a time when Maestro Ilayaraja was ruling the roost. Rahman steadily accumulated hits after hits, as he became the favourite of top directors like Maniratnam, Shankar, Bharathiraja and K Balachander, and his associations with them turned out to be massive successes. Besides, the magician of music also worked with upcoming directors, delivering hits with everyone.

Decades passed, and AR Rahman, after conquering the hearts of kollywood audience, went on to rule Bollywood, and ultimately reached Hollywood as well, which gifted him double Oscars. Having launched a number of promising talents, extracting the best out of singers like Karthik, Chinmayi, Benny Dayal, and many others, updating himself with the latest in music and striving for perfection in his arena, winning national and international awards, launching KM conservatory for the love of the art that he grew up with and to nurture and develop new talents, AR Rahman's passion and dedication towards excellence in music and his undying spirit to feast audience with unique musical experiences has only kept growing along with him.

From the times of 'Puthu Vellai Mazhai' to the soothing 'Vaan Varuvaan', the legendary composer has been presenting himself and his music relevant across generations. Even recently, the man amazed with his lovely scores for Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and Sarvam Thaala mayam, and is expected to rock with his work in Thalapathy 63, SK13, Aadujeevitham (his return to Malayalam after Yodha) and many other international projects in the coming years. Rahman's indeed a blessing for music that one can proudly consider themselves blessed to have been born in the times of the man who has never ceased to amaze with his talent.

As the Mozart of Madras, Isai Puyal AR Rahman turns an year older today, here's wishing the man who has brought smiles on the faces of millions with his music, a happy birthday!