New Delhi (PTI): A.R. Rahman turned 43 on Tuesday as television and FM channels played special programmes to mark the day but the music maestro said the celebrations were low key due to Muharram. Speaking at the South India launch of a mobile phone, Rahman said the day was usual for him and there were not much celebrations as the Muslims mourn during the month of Muharram.

Many radio and television channels played his hits from films that included "Roja", "Bombay", "Dil Se", "Rangeela", "Taal", "Lagaan", "Rang De Basanti", and the more recent "Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa", "Yuvvraj", "Ghajini" and "Slumdog Millionaire". The last year was an eventful one for Rahman as he earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score for his music in British director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire" besides many other achievements.

"Slumdog Millionaire", however, is not Rahman's first global venture. He had composed for Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Bombay Dreams" and a stage adaptation of "Lord Of the Rings".

Rahman began 2008 with Ashutosh Gowarikar's "Jodhaa-Akbar" and went on to score chart topping numbers in films like "Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa", "Yuvvraj", "Ghajini" and "Slumdog Millionaire".

His latest track "Jiya Se Jiya" is another attempt from the composer to send out the message of love and peace after his "Vande Mataram". This year Rahman fans will hear his compositions in "Dilli 6" and "Blue".