/> On Jan 6 the maverick composer turned 40. "My son is going to be 4 on the same day. Yeah, he and I share the same birthday. ...I don't know how that happened," he smiled days before the occasion

He agrees he's entering the most important decade of his life, "So far I've just been busy living life. From my childhood I was surrounded by grownups, I never got a chance to enjoy being a child. It took me a while to realize how young I was.

By the time I realized I was missing out on youthful activities I was no longer young. Now I'm re-living my childhood with three children. If I'm able to give them everything that I couldn't afford they too are giving me back something vital."

And what sense has he made of the 40 years of his life? "My life has always been a journey. When I was in my 20s I went through the most turbulent and hectic time of my life. Now I spend as much time as possible with my children Khatija (11), Rahima (8)and Amin (4). My studio in Chennai is bang opposite my house, so they spend a lot of time with me. All they've to do is cross the road and they're with me."

Three of his songs have been entered into the Oscars. "They've short-listed 56 songs, of which three Khalbalee and Lukka chuppi from Rang De Basanti and Chan -chan from Water, are mine. I was expecting a list of 500-600 songs, I'm quite surprised.

I think the way they look at our films and music abroad has completely changed now. There's a lot more respect for what we do. They don't think of us as oddities any longer.

They don't think of us as dancing around trees."

Rahman chose the three songs for the Oscars on his own. "I chose Luka chuppi because of Lataji. She's the pride of the nation. ...I don't know what the outcome would be. I think it's a big honour to be there. God willing, if my song gets nominated I'll be there in LA. But to get to the last 56 songs is quite an honour. My agent in LA was sweet enough to take care of all the nitty-gritty."