The 'Chinni Chinni Aasa' Tune That Changed AR Rahman's Life

The iconic music composer AR Rahman’s life took a transformative turn with the composition of the famous tune ‘Chinni Chinni Aasa’ for the 1992 film ‘Roja’, directed by Mani Ratnam. While AR Rahman’s rise to stardom is well known today, the story of how he got his first big break in the film industry is equally fascinating.

Before entering the world of cinema, AR Rahman worked as a keyboard player. Facing financial hardships, he often participated in musical events at various gatherings to support himself. During one such event in Bombay, Rahman played the keyboard at a function where Mani Ratnam, already an established filmmaker, was present. Rahman’s performance left a strong impression on the director.

After the event, Mani Ratnam approached Rahman, handed him his visiting card, and invited him to visit his office. Being a fan of Mani Ratnam, Rahman eagerly accepted the offer and met him the very next day. Mani Ratnam, curious to learn more about Rahman’s musical talent, asked him to create a tune and bring it to him. Rahman, determined to make the most of this opportunity, composed a tune that very night and returned with an audio cassette the next morning.

Mani Ratnam was reportedly astonished by Rahman’s speed and creativity. Despite being on his way out, Ratnam decided to listen to the tune in his car. Deeply impressed by Rahman’s unique musical style, he praised the young composer and gave him an opportunity to work on ‘Roja’.

The song ‘Chinni Chinni Aasa’ became an instant hit and marked the beginning of Rahman’s illustrious career. With Mani Ratnam’s support and Rahman’s exceptional talent, the composer soon rose to international fame, eventually winning prestigious accolades, including an Oscar award.