Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman quiz
Two composers who changed the sound of Indian cinema.
10 multiple-choice questions, with the answer explained after each one.
Answer each question, see why, and beat your best score.
All 10 questions and answers
Want to check an answer or run the quiz out loud? Every question is here, with the answer hidden until you open it.
- A.R. Rahman's first film as a composer was…
- Bombay (1995)
- Rangeela (1995)
- Gentleman (1993)
- Roja (1992)
Show answer
Roja (1992). His score for Mani Ratnam's Roja made him famous overnight.
- For which film did A.R. Rahman win two Academy Awards?
- 127 Hours
- Slumdog Millionaire
- Lagaan
- Life of Pi
Show answer
Slumdog Millionaire. He won Best Original Score and Best Original Song in 2009.
- A.R. Rahman is often nicknamed…
- The Melody King
- Isaignani
- The Maestro
- The Mozart of Madras
Show answer
The Mozart of Madras. The nickname reflects his roots in Chennai, formerly Madras.
- A.R. Rahman's birth name was…
- Abdul Rahim
- A.R. Ramesh
- A.S. Dileep Kumar
- Allah Rakha Khan
Show answer
A.S. Dileep Kumar. He changed his name in the 1980s.
- Ilaiyaraaja's debut film as a composer was…
- Nayakan (1987)
- Annakili (1976)
- 16 Vayathinile (1977)
- Moondram Pirai (1982)
Show answer
Annakili (1976). Annakili's folk-rooted score was an instant hit.
- Ilaiyaraaja's popular title 'Isaignani' means…
- Music emperor
- Musical genius
- Heart of song
- King of melody
Show answer
Musical genius. Isaignani translates roughly as 'musical genius'.
- Ilaiyaraaja recorded a symphony in 1993 with which orchestra?
- Berlin Philharmonic
- Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra
- Vienna Philharmonic
Show answer
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London. He recorded it with the Royal Philharmonic in London.
- Which Andrew Lloyd Webber stage musical did A.R. Rahman compose?
- Bombay Dreams
- Mumbai Nights
- Slumdog Live
- Monsoon Wedding
Show answer
Bombay Dreams. Bombay Dreams opened in London's West End in 2002.
- In 2022, Ilaiyaraaja was nominated to which body?
- The Rajya Sabha
- The Censor Board
- The Lok Sabha
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi board
Show answer
The Rajya Sabha. He was nominated to India's upper house of Parliament.
- Which composer's breakout 2011 song 'Why This Kolaveri Di' went viral online?
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- G.V. Prakash Kumar
- Anirudh Ravichander
- Harris Jayaraj
Show answer
Anirudh Ravichander. It was from the Tamil film 3, starring Dhanush.