Rahman started his career as a keyboard player and an arranger in bands such as “Roots”,  with childhood friend and percussionist Sivamani, John Anthony, Suresh Peters,  JoJo and Raja. Rahman is the founder of the Chennai-based rock group,  “Nemesis Avenue”. He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj.  At the age of 11,  he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of Ilaiyaraaja.

His film career started in 1992, when he began the Panchathan Record Inn a music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house.  He initially composed scores for documentaries,  jingles for advertisements and Indian Television channels and other projects.

In 1992 Director Mani Ratnam approached him to compose the score and soundtrack film Roja, which fetched Rajat Kamal award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards.  Then his success story continues to Oscar and keeps going.

A Photographic mosaic image with music symbols