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Music composer AR Rahman humbled to have a street named after him in Canada

Music composer AR Rahman humbled to have a street named after him in Canada

The singer hoped that his name and its meaning — merciful — brings peace and prosperity to the country.
29 Aug, 2022

Indian music composer AR Rahman took to Twitter on Monday to express how humbled he was to find out that the city of Markham in Canada has named a street after him. The singer, known for his work in Rang De Basanti and Slumdog Millionaire, penned a post thanking the authorities and his countrymen for “all the love”.

Taking to Twitter, the ‘Jai Ho’ singer wrote, “Honoured and grateful for this recognition from City of Markham and Frank Scarpitti and the people of Canada.”

The note shared by Rahman read, “I never imagined this ever in my life. I am very grateful to all of you, the Mayor of Markham,Canada (Frank Scarpitti) and counsellors, Indian Consulate General (Apoorva Srivastava) and the people of Canada.”

He also explained the meaning behind his name and said AR Rahman is not his and that it means “merciful”. “The merciful is the quality of the common God we all have and one can only be the servant of the merciful. So let that name bring peace, prosperity, happiness and health to all the people living in Canada. God bless you all.”

The 55-year-old singer also thanked his countrymen for “all the love” and all the creative people who worked with him, inspired him to rise up and celebrate one hundred years of cinema. “I am a very small drop in the ocean,” he wrote.

Rahman has been composing music for nearly three decades for India’s massive film industry. He has worked for multiple films, the most famous being Lagaan, Tamasha, Jodhaa Akbar, Highway, Rockstar and Swades. He also wrote in the note that the honour to have a street named after him makes him feel responsible and instilled in him more strength to continue with his work and not retire.

“I feel like this gives me immense responsibility to do much more and be inspiring; not to get tired and not to retire… yet. Even if I get tired, I’ll remember that I have more things to do, more people to connect, more bridges to cross,” he added.

Rahman recently composed music for films Ponniyin Selvan: I that marks as Aishwarya Rai’s onscreen comeback, Tamil-language film Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu and war memoir Pippa staring Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur.

Comments

Johnw Aug 29, 2022 02:07pm
It's good to know he is humbled. He has to be, he changed music for good. It made it possible for thousands to make music without any need for talent or creative intelligence. The role of a poet and Singer was also nullified .
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SaneMind1st Aug 29, 2022 02:08pm
Subtly Indians are making a name for themselves be they Hindus, be they Muslims, be they Christians, be they Sikhs and all. Wonder when our Pakistanis will make our country's name on the world stage. Being tik tok star, likee star, Instagram stars will not do.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Aug 29, 2022 02:38pm
As you sow, so shall you reap.
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Syed Hasni Aug 29, 2022 03:17pm
The search is more Important than Destination- AR Rehman Keep following your dreams Mastero
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Taj Ahmad Aug 29, 2022 03:38pm
Very nice and respectful by the Canadian Government.
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SU Aug 29, 2022 03:49pm
He’s one of India’s internationally known cultural brand ambassadors and we are proud of him.
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John Aug 29, 2022 03:58pm
Incredible Indians!
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TPA Aug 29, 2022 04:03pm
He should move to Canada too.
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Aam Aadami Aug 29, 2022 04:42pm
How about Sunny Leone street? Hasn't she contributed globally!??
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Jaweed Aug 29, 2022 04:54pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad What did we not sow?
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Az_Iz Aug 29, 2022 04:59pm
@Johnw can’t digest good news.
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Constantine Aug 29, 2022 05:04pm
AR Rahman is a musical genius.
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LOL Aug 29, 2022 05:40pm
He is a convert.
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Burjor Rustomji Aug 29, 2022 06:00pm
Wonderful gesture by a wonderful country to a wonderfully talented musical genius who has composed so many musical pieces. Music is a wonderful gift we humans have. Those who enjoy playing music, composing music or listening to music enjoy life much much more than those who do not. I enjoy listening, and gives immense pleasure.
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JS Aug 29, 2022 07:15pm
Awesome tribute. Always glad to know about the accolades being showered upon A.R. Rahman. Well-deserved.
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well-wisher Aug 29, 2022 07:16pm
Congrats, A.R. and for the meaning of Rahman for the world to know. Thanks to Markham, Canada for reaching beyond Canada to show frontierless love. May more success come your way and bring peace amongst people.
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Multani Aug 29, 2022 08:14pm
Appreciate how Canada treats Indian Muslims so well whereas in India they live a miserable life as 3rd class citizens and unable to freely practice Islam and eat beef freely. Thanks Canada.
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Amir Aug 29, 2022 08:34pm
@LOL So what??
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Loan seekers Aug 29, 2022 09:36pm
Normally such streets have three or four houses
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Neeli Aug 29, 2022 10:11pm
Just watched his show yesterday at Scotia Bank Arena downtown Toronto. I am so impressed though tickets were expensive. Great musician.
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Changez Khan Aug 29, 2022 10:38pm
Rahman deserves recognition.
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mlk Aug 30, 2022 04:44am
That's why Canada is one of the top 10 countries @ # 6
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Life Aug 30, 2022 06:34am
@SaneMind1st : “Wonder when our Pakistanis will make our country's name on the world stage. Being tik tok star, likee star, Instagram stars will not do.“ I think The day when you will be able to write your real name.
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