R. K. Shekhar | |
|---|---|
 Photo of R. K. Shekhar | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Rajagopala Kulashekharan Shekhar |
| Born | 7 November 1933[lower-alpha 1][1][2] |
| Origin | Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, British India[2] |
| Died | 10 September 1976 (aged 42) |
| Genres | Film score, classical |
| Occupation(s) | Film composer, music director, Arranger, Music conductor |
| Instruments | Harmonium |
| Years active | 1964–1976 |
| Labels | Saregama |
Rajagopala Kulashekharan Shekhar (7 November 1933[lower-alpha 2][1] – 10 September 1976) was an Indian music composer who worked primarily for Malayalam cinema.[3] Shekhar served as a music conductor for over 100 films and composed scores for 52 films.[2] He pioneered the early integration of Western classical music orchestration techniques into South Indian film music. He is the father of A. R. Rahman and A. R. Reihana.
His grandchildren A. R. Ameen, Khatija Rahman, G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Bhavani Sre are involved in the music and film industries.
His debut song as a music director was "Chotta Muthal Chudala Vare" ("from cradle to grave"), which was a big hit in Kerala. This was composed for the film Pazhassi Raja (1964).[4]
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "His father's son: How AR Rahman's father RK Shekhar made his mark as a composer and arranger". Scroll.in. 11 October 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "R K Shekhar". Cinemaazi. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
- ↑ Mathai, Kamini (2009). A. R. Rahman: The Musical Storm. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 9788184758238.
- ↑ "Mr. Rajagopala Kulashekhara, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu Tribute". Tributes.in. Retrieved 13 November 2025.