A R Rahman Does It Again! This Time Wins Japan’s Prestigious Fukuoka Prize

The Fukuoka prize is given to those individuals who are creating, preserving and showcasing Asian culture.

By Mandar Pandhare

June 3, 2016

Music maestro A R Rahman does it again! This time he has been honoured with Japan’s prestigious Grand Fukuoka prize for his outstanding contribution to Asian culture through music.

Started in 1990, the Fukuoka prize is given by the city of Fukuoka, in association with Yokatopia Foundation, to those individuals who are creating, preserving and showcasing Asian culture.

Rahman has been conferred with this award for his contribution to South Asian culture through traditional fusion music.

A R Rahman

“The unique musical compositions of Mr. A. R. Rahman have thus both widened the horizons of the film music world and raised its status, and have also won the highest acclaim both in India and beyond. For such a contribution, he is truly worthy of the Grand Prize of the Fukuoka Prize,” said the committee about Rahman, as reported by Desiblitz.

This is not the first time Rahman has won an international award.

In 1995, he won the prestigious Mauritius National Award and Malaysian Award. In 2009, he won one BAFTA award, one Golden Globe award and two Academy Awards for his music in Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire.

You can also watch: VIDEO: This Tribute to A R Rahman, Played Without Any Instruments, Made Our Ears Happy Today!

Back in India, Rahman is a four-time National Award winner and has won a total of 15 Filmfare awards as well.

In the past, several eminent Indian personalities like historian Ramchandra Guha, legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, and sarod artist Amjad Ali Khan have also won the Fukuoka prize.

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