Music legend AR Rahman received his seventh National Film Award on October 15, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honor to him during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.

Rahman was awarded the Best Music Director (Background Music) award for his work in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: I. 

This marks a special moment for Rahman, as he won his first National Award over three decades ago for another Mani Ratnam film, *Roja*.

“From the beginning, I had all these tick marks- the music should be recorded well, produced well, and the intention of creating the music has always been very pure. After the first National Award, I felt like we have to go higher because the National Award is the highest recognition for any Indian musician.” - AR Rahman