A.R. Rahman Parents: Meet R.K. Shekhar & Kareema Beegum

A.R. Rahman is the son of R.K. Shekhar and Kareema Beegum.

His father, R. K. Shekhar, hailed from a Mudaliar family, and his impact on Tamil and Malayalam cinema was profound as a film-score composer and conductor. Rahman’s early exposure to the world of music began at the tender age of four when he commenced his piano studies. Under the guidance of his father, he also found himself assisting in the studio, mastering the art of playing the keyboard.

However, tragedy struck when Rahman was just nine years old. His father’s untimely demise left the family grappling not only with the emotional void but also with financial challenges. The rental income from his father’s musical equipment became the lifeline that sustained the family. It was during these trying times that Rahman’s resilience and love for music began to shine through.

Raised by his mother, Kareema (born Kashturi), Rahman’s journey was marked by adversity and the struggle for survival. Amidst the financial constraints and the emotional toll of his father’s loss, Rahman navigated the challenges of balancing his education with the responsibility of supporting his family.