How did Dilip Kumar become AR Rahman?

Oscar-winning Indian music director AR Rahman has been in the news not only for his music career but also for his spiritual life. Recently, he himself revealed how he became 'AR Rahman' from Dilip Kumar, and the story of the profound religious and psychological transformation behind it.

In an interview published in an Indian media outlet on Friday (October 17), Rahman said that this change in his life began after the death of his father. He said that he and his family were going through a deep spiritual crisis after losing a loved one. Then they went to a Hindu astrologer, who advised them to convert to Islam.

Rahman said, "This spiritual change in my life came after the death of my father. I and my family went to a Hindu astrologer. After that, we converted to Islam."

He also said that the astrologer advised him to change his name and suggested two names - Abdur Rahman and Abdur Rahim. Rahman said, “To be honest, I was never happy with my first name. So when I got the chance to change my name, my mother suggested that I keep the name ‘Allarakha Rahman’.”

Rahman said that he loved the name ‘Rahman’ from the beginning. Because, the word ‘Allarakha’ means ‘protected by Allah’. It was this meaning and feeling that deeply affected him. He said, “Although I loved the name Rahman from the beginning. And this Allarakha means – protected by Allah. It was then that my family and I converted to Islam.”

According to AR Rahman, this spiritual change has shaped both his life and music. In his words, “Islam has given me peace of mind and confidence. I think my creativity has deepened from this faith.”

From a Hindu boy named Dilip Kumar to today’s AR Rahman – this life story of a combination of music, spirituality and humanity continues to inspire millions of people.