11 Reasons A.R. Rahman Is A National Treasure

Take a moment to appreciate this marvel of a man.

If you consider yourself an Indian, I'm flat out refusing to accept the possibility that you may not have heard of A.R. Rahman.

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Earlier today, Vishal Dadlani announced that A.R. Rahman will be headlining this year's NH7 Weekender, and we pretty much lost our shit.

VISHAL DADLANI @VishalDadlani

I promised you massive, and here it is! @arrahman plays #NH7Weekender this year!! Can't wait! #lineup2015

08:04 AM - 05 Aug 2015

We thought it would be a good opportunity to appreciate all the great things that this man has done:

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1. He's basically the face of Indian music.

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We Indians know A.R. Rahman can do no wrong. But no desi musician has conquered the world music scene quite like him. He's the most recognisable face we have out there. And we should be proud of it.

2. Even if you're a Bollywood music hater, there's no way you can deny his genius.

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Let's face it – you either love Bollywood music, or you detest it.

Rahman is the exception to the rule. No matter which side of the fence you're on, you can't help but appreciate the things he has done.

3. He has made our nation proud, over and over again.

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Golden Globe? Check.

Grammy? Double check.

Oscars? Double check.

National Award? Quadruple check.

Filmfare Award? Whatever the hell you call 15-x check.

I think I've made my point.

4. He can hold his own amongst any number of international artists, and usually outdoes them.

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5. DAT VOICE.

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If A.R. Rahman's serene set of pipes don't give you an eargasm, you're probably tone deaf. I'm sorry for your loss.

6. He loves collaborating.

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In the past, A.R. Rahman has teamed up various artists, including the likes of will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls and Mick fuckin' Jagger.

Let's not rule out a surprise performance, shall we?

7. A.R. Rahman exhibits range like no other composer can.

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Here is a man who has experimented with everything from Carnatic to hip-hop, qawwali to rock, and god know what else. And he's killed it. Every. Damn. Time.

8. His live shows are majestic and unforgettable.

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Need I say more?

9. He cares about nurturing new musicians too.

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Apart from teaching at the Berklee College of Music, Rahman collaborated with the college to set up a scholarship for Indian students, allowing talented youngsters to get access to a musical education of a lifetime.

10. He has the power to bridge several communities of Indian music lovers.

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Indie music listeners are a small but growing community in this country. A.R. Rahman is one of the few mainstream composers that are adored by casual music lovers, as well as hardcore music nerds.

11. Because dude... it's A.R. Rahman. Take a moment to appreciate this marvel of a man.

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Get tickets to see him in Dehli, Pune, or Bengaluru, at NH7 Weekender here.