Why did A.R. Rahman convert from Hindu to Muslim? What is his real name?

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman is celebrating his 58th birthday today. With his musical journey, he has made his mark not only in India but all over the world. Rahman's music has such magic that it settles in every heart and every music lover listens to his tunes. But do you know that some such incidents happened in A.R. Rahman's life, which became the reason for his change of religion and even name?

Rahman was born in a Hindu family and his real name was Dilip Kumar. His father RK Shekhar, a famous music arranger of Malayalam films, had a deep connection with music. However, when Rahman was just 9 years old, his father passed away. This incident completely changed Rahman's life and he had to face many struggles.

Rahman's life came to a turning point at the age of 23 when a Sufi saint influenced him. At that time, he was going through a deep mental crisis. He says that he decided to convert to Islam under the influence of a Sufi saint who was helping in the treatment of his father's cancer. The humanity and simplicity of the Sufi saint touched Rahman's heart and inspired him to look at life from a new perspective. He accepted Islam as a symbol of simplicity and humanity.

Rahman has also explained this change in detail in his biography Notes of a Dream. During an interview, he said that he met the Sufi saint for the second time and then he decided to convert. This change in Rahman's life was a spiritual path, which gave him mental peace.

After the conversion, A.R. Rahman's name was changed from Dilip Kumar to 'A.R. Rahman'. The name Dilip Kumar did not suit his music and image, which was why he chose a new name. Dilip Kumar got the inspiration to change his name from a Hindu astrologer. When Rahman's mother went to the astrologer for her sister's wedding, she suggested Rahman change his name as well. The astrologer suggested names like 'Abdul Rahman' and 'Abdul Rahim' and Rahman liked the name 'Rahman' very much.