He gifted the country ‘Vande Mataram…’ and ‘Jai Ho..’. On the eve of Republic Day Monday, the country paid him back with a Padma Bhushan award. He is Oscar winner A R Rahman, the pride of India.

“I am elated. I feel happy and proud. This is no doubt a Republic Day gift for me. The Padma honour makes me all the more committed to bring out quality music,” said the Mozart of Madras, expressing happiness.

Rahman’s joy did not stop with that. He added: “I am very happy that Illayaraja has also been conferred the award. It’s a double delight for Tamil film music. He worked with my father and I worked with Illayaraja.”

Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman, who has been selected for Padma Vibushan said, “It is a great recognition for my musical career. For the first time, the art of Mridangam has been conferred the prestigious award.”