R. K. Shekhar

Early life He was born in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu to K. Rajagopalan, also known as Rajagopalan Bhagavathar, a Harikatha exponent.

R. K. Shekhar family

R. K. Shekhar was married to Kasthuri Shekhar (later Kareema Begum; d. 28 December 2020). Their marriage took place at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the most prominent Hindu temples in India, located in Tirupati. Shekhar and Kasthuri had four children: A. R. Rahman (born A. S. Dileep Kumar), A. R. Reihana (born Kanchana Shekhar), Fathima Rafiq, and Ishrath Qadri.

Shekhar died on 30 September 1976 at the age of 43. His grandchildren include Rahman's children A. R. Ameen and Khatija Rahman, as well as Reihana's children G. V. Prakash Kumar and Bhavani Sre, all of whom are involved in the music and film industries.

The family fell on hard times after Shekhar's death. They came under the guidance of Sufi peer Karimullah Shah Qadri and later converted to Islam. Rahman's name change from Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman was suggested by a Hindu astrologer.

Legacy Shekhar is remembered as one of the most talented music arrangers and conductors in Malayalam cinema, though his contributions often went uncredited as he prioritized earning over recognition. He was known among his contemporaries as a "dream assistant" who would sometimes replace composers' tunes with his own creations to improve the final product, without taking credit for his work.

His son A. R. Rahman has frequently credited his father's influence on his own musical career. Rahman stated, "The memories of my father remain my inspiration... I think he died of excessive exertion... Beneficiaries have recounted to me how my father helped them, how he created opportunities for them." Rahman also noted, "Maybe it's the result of everything my dad did, all of his hard work, that I'm enjoying now. All the good karma." Many of Shekhar's traits—including his innovative approach to electronic instruments, his perfectionism, and his experimental mindset—are seen as precursors to Rahman's own musical style.

Shekhar's pioneering introduction of electronic instruments like the Univox and Clavioline to South Indian music laid groundwork for future generations of film composers. His work in launching the careers of singers like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and M. Balamuralikrishna in Malayalam cinema also contributed to his lasting influence on the industry.

Filmography As music director Pazhassi Raja (1964) Aayisha (1964) Anaathashilpangal (1971) Yogamullaval (1971) C.I.D. Nazir (1971) – arranger Taxi Car (1972) Sumangali (1973) Akashaganga (1973) Aradi Manninte Janmi (1973) Kandavarundo? (1973) Miss Mary (1973) Thottilla (1973) Thiruvabharanam (1973) Kapalika (1973) Chithariya Pookkal (1973) Pattabhishekham (1974) Nadeenadanmare Avashyamundu (1974) Thamarathoni (1975) Pen Pada (1975) Priyae Ninakku Vendi (1975) Velicham Akale (1975) Kuttichathan (1975) Yudhabhoomi (1975) Thiruvonam (1975) – background score Chottanikkara Amma (1976)

Shekhar also worked as a music conductor and arranger for over 100 films in Malayalam cinema.