A R Rahman's biography released in Mumbai

Fans can now get rare insights into the private life and musical journey of A R Rahman as his much awaited biography 'A R Rahman: The Spirit of Music', written by renowned film historian Nasreen Kabeer was released here.

The launch function was held at Juhu last evening with ace film director Mani Ratnam releasing the music maestro's biography in the presence of his family and Bollywood biggies like Ashutosh Gowariker, Ramgopal Varma, Subhash Ghai, Imtiaz Ali and others.

The book talks about Rahman's honesty, intelligence and his unpretentious shine, his life and the world of music.

It also carries rare photographs and a music CD with some of his selected tracks.

Speaking on the occasion, the double Oscar-winner said, "I thank my family, guru and all musicians for their support and love. All of them are stepping stones in my life."

Recalling a difficult phase in his life, the renowned musician said, "One such moment that I remember is when I had bought a studio. I had no money to buy any equipments. That time, my mother asked me what I needed now. I told her I required Rs 4 lakh to buy the equipments. So she sold some my sister's jewellery." "Hence, I believe everybody comes to a halt in life. But there is a solution for everything," the 45-year-old musician said on a philosophical note.

The two-time Oscar winner, who is celebrated in India and the West for his innumerable scores including the hit 'Jai Ho' from 'Slumdog Millionaire' started his career by composing for commercials on TV until he got his big break in Ratnam's 1991 film 'Roja'.

Ratnam on his long association with Rahman said, "I am not only a big fan of his music but also an admirer of a human being like him."

Raheema is recovering fast: Music Icon AR Rahman

Even as Raheema Rahman — AR Rahman’s daughter — is in the process of getting discharged from Bandra’s Asian Heart Institute, Rahman has cancelled all his appointments for this month as he plans to stay by his ailing daughter’s side.

Rahman says, “For the past 3 nights, I have been playing a loving father to my daughter. No music, nothing. I want to sincerely thank all my friends and family members for their prayers and good wishes. God has been kind and Raheema is recovering fast.”

“I also want to thank all my friends from the media for their support and understanding of the situation and for respecting our privacy,” he adds.

According to hospital sources, the child has been declared out of danger and will be discharged after a 24-hour medical surveillance.

“The child had been diagnosed with this condition for almost eight years now. It’s a condition when the heart cannot pump the required amount of blood into the body. Hence the patient becomes weak and might even have blackouts as the brain sometimes lacks the required oxygen. It is a congenital defect and she had been suffering from this ailment for quite sometime. The doctors haven’t recommended operation at this stage,” says a source.