10 unknown facts about A. R. Rahman

No other Indian musical face is as popular globally as A.R.Rahman. That in itself explains the genius that this man is. In what could be called a rags-to-riches story, Rahman rose from utter poverty to reach the pinnacle of glory never ever scaled by any Indian on world stage. As the maestro celebrates his 48th birthday, we take a look at some of his unknown facts. 1. Rahman was born as a Hindu and was originally called Dileep Kumar but he embraced Islam after his fatally ill younger sister was cured by a Sufi saint Karimullah Shah Kadri. Dileep Kumar then becamer Allah Rakha Rahman. 2. Rahman's father died when he was nine, leaving Rahman as the sole breadwinner of the family. Rahman then started playing his father's keyboard to earn money. His first salary was Rs. 50 earned for operating a record player. 3. The music maestro scored 62% in his board exams. 4. Rahman was bored assisting musicians in his younger days and repeatedly composing the same music. Roja changed his life altogether and he credits Mani Ratnam for the same. 5. Rahman's wife Saira was first seen by his mother at a Sufi temple. When Rahman asked Saira if she would like to marry him, she remained quiet. Later, Rahman realised that she is usually quiet by nature. 6. Rahman has three kids, two daughters and a son. His kids feel embarrassed when he visits their school as he is often hounded by fans for autographs and pictures. Rahman hasn't attended a single PTA meeting. 7. A street was named in his honour in Markham, Ontario, Canada in November 2013. 8. In 2012, Rahman revealed that he had received a Christmas card from the family of the President of the United States and dinner invitation at the White House. 9. It is believed that Rahman likes composing at night as he is not disturbed by phone calls during that hour. 10. Rahman is popularly nicknamed, 'The Mozart of Madras'