Hindu change AR Rahman’s name

The fascinating story of AR Rahman’s name and religious change.

One name, two lives

The person known to the world as AR Rahman was originally named Dilip Kumar. Doesn’t this sound strange?

The Oscar-winning music maestro’s life took a spiritual turn after his father’s death, when the entire family embraced Islam.

There was discomfort in the name itself

Rahman himself admitted that he never had any attachment to his old name.

He says, “I’m not disrespecting Dilip Kumar sir, but I felt that my name didn’t match my identity.”

This was a time when he harbored a desire to change his name.

astrologer gave him a new name

Here comes the most surprising revelation: a Hindu astrologer suggested his new name!

In fact, when Rahman’s mother went to an astrologer for her daughter’s wedding, he saw the young Dilip and said, “This boy is exciting.”

He suggested two names: Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim.

Became AR Rahman

Rahman immediately liked the name “Rahman.” Then his mother felt that it should be added with “Allahrakha” (God’s protector).

Thus, Dilip Kumar became AR Rahman. Amazing, isn’t it? A Hindu astrologer gave him his Muslim name!

Reason for learning Hindi

Recently, Rahman shared another interesting fact.

He decided to learn Hindi after feeling “embarrassed” by reading poor Hindi translations of his Tamil songs.

After this, he decided to learn the language himself.

Now waiting for Banaras

Now, this music maestro has his eyes set on Banaras. He is very excited to perform there for the first time.

He says, “I missed the opportunity earlier… I felt like the time was right now.

I am desperate to experience the energy of Banaras and its thousands of stories.”