Markham names street in honour of Indian music icon A.R. Rahman, a.k.a. the Mozart of Madras

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 31, 2022

Markham has honoured acclaimed Indian music icon Allah Rakha Rahman by naming a street in his honour.

A street dedication ceremony was hosted on Saturday Aug. 27 at the Markham Civic Centre.

The 55-year-old international music director and lyricist, currently in Canada for his music tour, shared pictures from the inauguration ceremony on Twitter.

“Honoured and grateful for this recognition from @cityofmarkham and @frankscarpitti and the people of Canada #arrahmanstreet #markham #canada #infinotelovearr #celebratingdiversity.”

The statement shared by Rahman read, “The name A.R. Rahman is not mine. It means merciful. The merciful is the quality of the common God we all have, and one can only be the servant of merciful.”

He is visiting Canada for a series of performances and has deep connections to local Indian and Tamil diaspora. He has collaborated with Canadian entrepreneurs for the enhancement of local music talent.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also tweeted: “As Canada’s most diverse community with a significant & growing South Asian community the honour is all ours! Your music has lifted the human spirit around the world & your legacy is truly inspirational! Pleased to dedicate @arrahman Street in Robinson Glen area.”

Rahman’s extensive body of work for film and stage earned him the nickname “the Mozart of Madras.” The multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner is best known for producing the soundtrack for the 2008 hit film “Slumdog Millionaire.”

A.R. Rahman Street will be in the future Robinson Glen community northeast of Kennedy Road and Major Mackenzie Drive East. Markham had announced that a street will be named in Rahman's honour back in November 2013.