34. A.R.Rahman 44, Music Director Previous year position - 11
Mozart of the East Because from a concert for 80,000 in Sydney to a diner at the White House to singing in a reprise of We Are The World with 99 other world artistes, he is India's voice globally. Because he is collaborating with the best in the world, from Mick Jagger to Joss Stone. Because he has put his money where his heart is, building an institution for future musicians at the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. Because after two Oscars and two Grammys, he is all set to wow the world with the 16-city Jai Ho concert beginning in New York. One thing he misses - Picking up his elder daughter, Kathija, 12, from school. Big change - The departure of his long-time manager Noell James. Power move - Setting up a studio in Los Angeles, adding to the one in London.
