Bharat Maestro Awards

Photo Credit: A.R. Rahman by Dani Charles for Silverscreen Media / CC by 3.0

To celebrate his birthday, A.R. Rahman announces the launch of the Bharat Maestro Awards through his music institute, the KM Music Conservatory.

Indian musician and producer A.R. Rahman is celebrating his birthday with the announcement from his music institute, the KM Music Conservatory, launching the Bharat Maestro Awards. The awards will honor music legends in Indian classical music while nurturing the next wave of talent.

“The greatest joy of a guru is to witness the success and growth of their students, and it is this bond that the Bharat Maestro Awards seeks to celebrate,” said Rahman. “The idea behind instituting this is for it to be more than just an award — it’s about connecting the past, present, and future of music, and uniting us all through the language of sound.”

This launch also coincides with KM Music Conservatory’s 16th anniversary. Founded by Rahman himself, the conservatory has become a renowned institution that offers programs in Western and Indian Classica musical traditions, as well as music technology. Its mission continues to be to provide international standards of education while preserving and advancing India’s rich musical heritage.

“The Conservatory has always sought to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating opportunities for young artists to develop their craft while staying grounded in the cultural fabric of India,” Rahman adds. “With this annual award being instituted, I want to support in building an ecosystem that will also fuel the immersive experiences in the arena of music.”

The mentor panel for the award includes Asha Bhosle, Amjad Ali Khan, Bombay Jayashri, and Ajoy Chakrabarty. Additionally, the advisory board consists of Ila Paliwal, Sai Shravanam, Bharat Bala, Fathima Rafiq, Khatija Rahman, Adam Greig, and Clint Valladares.

Award recipients will receive a cash prize and be provided opportunities to perform on a global stage, while also joining performances by Rahman. The awards aim to inspire younger audiences while making classical music more accessible.