The composer was awarded the Oscar for Best Original Score for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle. That evening, he also secured a second Oscar for Best Original Song for Jai Ho, which he shared with lyricist Gulzar. This event was historic as Rahman became the first Indian composer to win two Academy Awards in a single night, and his acceptance speech remains one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history.

A Blend of Excitement and Fear

AR Rahman's Moment of Excitement and Fear

As Rahman began his speech, he expressed the mixed emotions he felt, stating, "Before coming, I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt like that was during my marriage." This line not only elicited laughter from the audience but also showcased his humility.

A Heartfelt Tribute to His Mother

AR Rahman's Tribute To His Mother

One of the most poignant moments of his speech was when he referenced a famous line from the classic Hindi film Deewaar, famously delivered by Amitabh Bachchan. Rahman quoted, "There's a dialogue from a Hindi film, called 'Mere paas ma hai,' which translates to 'I have nothing but I have a mother.' So mother's here, her blessings are there with me." This heartfelt tribute highlighted the significant role his mother, Kareema Begum, played in his journey from a struggling musician in Chennai to an internationally acclaimed composer.

Acknowledging Collaborators

AR Rahman Thanked The Slumdog Millionaire Team

Rahman took the opportunity to express gratitude towards the numerous collaborators who contributed to the music of Slumdog Millionaire. He stated, "I want to thank the Academy for being so kind, all the jury members. I want to thank Sam Schwartz, I/D PR, all the crew of 'Slumdog,' Mr. Gulzar, Raqueeb Alam, Blaaze, my musicians in Chennai and Mumbai." The film's soundtrack, which seamlessly blended Indian sounds with global influences, was a testament to the collaborative effort behind its success.

A Spiritual Conclusion

Spiritual Closing In Tamil

Rahman concluded his speech with a line that has become iconic among his fans. He switched to Tamil, saying, "And I want to tell something in Tamil, which I normally say after every award, which is: Ella pugazhum iraivanukke," translating it to "God is great."

A Defining Moment for Indian Cinema

Definitive Moment For Indian Cinema

Rahman's Oscar victory was a significant recognition of Indian musical talent on a global scale, paving the way for future composers and musicians from India. The success of Slumdog Millionaire, which won a total of eight Oscars, illustrated how Indian musical traditions could connect with international audiences when combined with modern storytelling.