It doesn't matter whether you are a fan of lilting melody or compelling racy thumps, as long as you are a music lover, it is impossible not to idolise AR Rahman and worship his creations, as a fan. On the occasion of his birthday, we have peppered up a list on why he is considered the hero of music.

• Not only does he have 10 Filmfare Awards to kvell, ARR is the only composer to have bagged consecutively 9 Filmfare Awards. This superlative array of Filmfare Awards is a result of 14 nominations.


• Not only did Roja skyrocket him to fame with national recognition, AR Rahman is the only composer to have been awarded the National Award for debut work.


• Not only did 'The Guardian' shortlist his album 'Bombay' in 2007, as part of the compilation, '1000 albums to hear before you die', they came back again in 2009, to choose 'Kehna Hi Kya' ('Kannalane' in Tamil) from the same album, as part of their '1000 songs everyone must hear'.


• Not only is Roja his award winning hot cake, right in his debut, Roja soundtrack is rated as the best since 1923! Yet, he is a man so grounded to his roots that you could spot his keyboard, which was used in Roja, still in display at his Chennai studio.


• ARR made heads turn to India, holding two Oscars. Not only is he the first Indian to have achieved this, but also marks the distinction of being the first from the entire Asian continent, to have won this prestige.


• It is impossible not to lose oneself Rahman's symphonies. Not only is he is a genius now, but has always demonstrated his talent, since young. ARR's first television presence was way back in his childhood, in Doordarshan, wherein he used to be identified as the kid who could play 4 keyboards at a time.

It is known for a fact that ARR's wisdom is independent of the aforementioned recognition. But when the prowess is so over powering, it is but natural, to be his faithful fan. Here's wishing Rahman a happy birthday and a wonderful musical career ahead too!