A.R. Rahman poses with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other prominent Canadian politicians
The city of Markham has named a street in honour of Indian music icon, A.R. Rahman.
The 55-year-old international music director and lyricist attended the street dedication ceremony on August 27, held at the Markham Civic Centre. He is currently in Canada for a music tour.
Honoured and grateful for this recognition from @cityofmarkham and @frankscarpitti and the people of Canada#arrahmanstreet #markham #canada #infinitelovearr #celebratingdiversity pic.twitter.com/rp9Df42CBi
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 29, 2022
A. R. Rahman stands with Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti during the unveiling
The multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner earned a title as “the Mozart of Madras” as a result of his extensive work in film and stage. Rahman’s production of the soundtrack for the hit film, “Slumdog Millionaire” granted him international acclaim. The City of Markham noted in a press release:
“Allah-Rakha Rahman, also known as A.R. Rahman is a universally celebrated music composer whose extensive body of work for film and stage earned him the nickname “the Mozart of Madras.” The multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner is best known for producing the soundtrack for the 2008 hit film, Slumdog Millionaire. A.R. Rahman has also received various international humanitarian awards for causes dear to him [...] In 2009, A.R. Rahman was included in Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people and still remains a top music personality across borders for more than three decades. He has been awarded one of India’s highest civilian honours and has famously composed India’s national song on the 50th Anniversary of India’s independence. The original track he composed also holds two Guinness World Records for being the song performed in the most languages. For his invaluable contribution to music, he has been awarded numerous honorary doctorates from a selection of world-renowned universities.”
The icon was also welcomed at the Ontario Legislative Assembly in Toronto by prominent Canadian politicians including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, MPP Vijay Thanigasalam, and MPP Logan Kanapathi.
This morning, I had the opportunity welcome @arrahman to Queen’s Park. He is an award-winning musician and philanthropist, blending Indian classical with many other genres. Thank you for continuing to inspire with your unique compositions. pic.twitter.com/3kKCBXvhuS
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 29, 2022
The street dedication ceremony was a long-time coming as Markham initially announced its intent to dedicate a street in Rahman’s honour back in November 2013.
A.R. Rahman street will be located in the upcoming Robinson Glen community northeast of Kennedy Road and Major Mackenzie Drive East.
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