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Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter) Biography: Age, Career,Family

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth29 December 1996

Age26 Years (as of 2022)

BirthplaceChennai, Tamil Nadu, India

ProfessionMusician, Singer, Social Worker

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseRiyasdeen Mohamed Shaik

FamilyFather - A. R. Rahman; Mother - Saira Banu; Siblings - A. R. Ameen, Raheema Rahman

Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter) Biography

Khatija Rahman is an Indian musician, singer and social worker known as the elder daughter of composer A. R. Rahman. Born in Chennai, she debuted as a teen

Early life and background

Khatija Rahman was born on 29 December 1996 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Raised in a family with strong musical roots, she grew up listening to her father’s work and developed an interest in music at an early age. She completed formal education in Chennai and pursued additional studies related to Islamic studies and music business management.

Career

Khatija began her professional journey in music as a teenager. At 14 she recorded her first song, "Pudhiya Munidha," for the Tamil science-fiction film Enthiran (Robot), a project that released versions in multiple languages. Since then she has continued to perform and collaborate with other artists.

Her collaborations include work with the Irish band U2 on a track titled "AHIMSA" and a partnership with Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej on a song addressing air pollution. In October 2020 she released the single "Farishton" on her own YouTube channel; the single included an animated video and promoted themes of empathy, women’s empowerment and unity. The song and its video received recognition at music festivals and earned awards.

Alongside performing, Khatija has taken on roles behind the scenes and in organisational leadership. She has been a director and trustee at the A R Rahman Foundation since 2016, supporting an organisation co-founded by her father and his mother that focuses on bridging social divides and providing financial and practical support for medical, educational and livelihood needs.

Public profile

Khatija is known for a visible personal style that includes wearing the hijab and, at times, the burqa. Her attire has drawn public attention and occasional criticism on social media; she has responded publicly by asserting pride in her choices and emphasizing that her work should define her.

Her philanthropic commitments date back to internships and volunteer placements early in her career. She completed internships at the Cancer Institute in Chennai and worked with a school for blind children. In 2016 she joined Bhumi, a large volunteer youth non-profit, as a management trainee where she handled finance for events, donor management, intern supervision and corporate communications. Her responsibilities there included coordinating large-scale projects such as the national-level “Joy to the World” initiative, which delivered wishes for thousands of children through corporate funding.

Khatija has also been associated with Kathir Social Ventures and the Sethu Foundation, organisations that support women’s skill development and child welfare, respectively.

Personal life

Khatija is the daughter of composer A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu. She has two siblings: a brother, A. R. Ameen, and a sister, Raheema Rahman. She married Riyasdeen Mohamed Shaik on 5 May 2022, following an engagement on 29 December 2021.

Latest updates

In recent years Khatija has continued to balance music releases, collaborations and charitable work. Her single "Farishton" (2020) and prior international collaborations remain among the notable entries in her portfolio. She continues in her role with the A R Rahman Foundation and remains active in social causes related to education, women’s empowerment and environmental issues.

Public persona and recognition

Khatija’s early debut and international collaborations have contributed to recognition beyond India. Her public statements about personal choices and her charitable work have been part of her public narrative. She maintains a presence online where she shares music and updates about her projects.
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Recent Work

Farishton

Music single released on her YouTube channel with an animated video promoting empathy, women’s empowerment and unity.

2020
AHIMSA (collaboration with U2)

Collaborative track with Irish band U2 that brought her global recognition.

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Career Highlights

  1. Singing debut at age 14 with the song Pudhiya Munidha for the film Enthiran
  2. Collaborations with international artists including U2 and Ricky Kej
  3. Director and trustee of the A R Rahman Foundation since 2016
  4. Released the single "Farishton" (2020) which received festival recognition and awards
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter) born?

29 December 1996

What is Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter) known for?

Musician, Singer, Social Worker

What is Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter)’s marital status?

Married

Who is Khatija Rahman (A. R. Rahman's Daughter) married to?

Riyasdeen Mohamed Shaik