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<ul><li><strong>Academy award singer, composer and now director AR <keyword id="11852" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rahman" source="Orion">Rahman</keyword> has sold an estimated 150 million records.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>He founded the music school KM Music Conservatory in Chennai that also has a project, The Sunshine Orchestra, for underprivileged children.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>For a man of few words, he has been subtly expressive about ‘Bollywood gangs’, and why he hates the term ‘Bollywood’.<br /></strong></li></ul>Academy award winner AR Rahman, arguably the most famous introverted Indian composer and singer, turns 56 today. He has sold an estimated 150 million records, according to <em>Berklee Today</em>.<br /><br />Known as the ‘<keyword id="151503" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mozart" source="Orion">Mozart</keyword> of Madras,’ Rahman is deeply reticent, letting his compositions speak for him. Journalist Karan Thapar famously called him his ‘most difficult interview.’ Much is known about him thanks to his 2018 authorised biography <em>Notes of a Dream </em>written by <a href="https://scroll.in/reel/897429/10-things-we-learnt-about-ar-rahman-from-the-authorised-biography-notes-of-a-dream">Krishna Trilok</a> – like him giving up his Hindu identity to embrace <keyword id="893778" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sufi-islam" source="Orion">Sufi Islam</keyword>. Here are some lesser-known facts about Rahman, the first Asian to win two Oscars.<br /><br /><strong>Rahman’s ad jingles<br /></strong><br />Rahman composed ad jingles for Airtel, Titan watches, Premier pressure cooker and <a href="https://www.cinestaan.com/articles/2017/jan/6/3693/do-you-know-these-10-ad-jingles-composed-by-ar-rahman">Renault</a>, among others in his initial years. On being asked about whether he was hesitant to step into movie music composition, he said, ‘I felt underqualified to take on a big movie, I felt I needed to learn more.”<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Rahman’s ad jingles" agency="BCCL" msid="96793867" hostid="261" sizebytes="32886"></div><br /><strong>‘Mani Ratnam my real mentor’<br /></strong><br />An invitation to score the 1992 movie <em>Roja</em> by Indian director Mani Ratnam opened the door to a film-composing career for Rahman. ‘Mani Ratnam was like a real mentor for me. He taught me from a director’s point of view how to create music and mix things to click with the people’, he said in an interview to <em>Berklee Today.</em> He met the director through Sharada Krishnamoorthy, who was a cousin of Ratnam’s. <br />  <div type="image" title="Mani Ratnam AR Rahman" agency="BCCL" msid="96793903" hostid="261" sizebytes="41362"></div><br /><strong>Can ditch family dinner for a song<br /></strong><br />AR Rahman’s marriage to <keyword id="26044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="saira-banu" source="Orion">Saira Banu</keyword> was an arranged one and he had already told his wife that ‘if they had a dinner, and a song came up, they would have to ditch the dinner’, Rahman’s biographer Trilok writes. His wife says Rahman had ‘autotuned’ her before marriage and that she doesn’t need much to be happy and is content enjoying ‘simple things’ <a href="https://scroll.in/reel/897429/10-things-we-learnt-about-ar-rahman-from-the-authorised-biography-notes-of-a-dream">with him</a>.<br /><div type="image" title="Saira Banu and AR Rahman" msid="96793935" hostid="261" sizebytes="52432"></div><br /><strong>Revived Asha Bhonsle’s career<br /></strong><br />The revered singer Asha Bhonsle was facing a dry spell in her career before the 1990s. It was AR Rahman’s entry into the Hindi music world with the film<em> Rangeela</em> that gave her the second innings of her career.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="AR Rahman Asha Bhosle" msid="96793957" hostid="261" sizebytes="46326"></div><br /><strong>He gave popular singer <keyword id="3153353" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sid-sriram" source="Orion">Sid Sriram</keyword> his big <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/r-rahman-gave-sid-his-first-707219.html">break</a><br /></strong><br />Indian Carnatic and film musician Sid Sriram was given his first break by Rahman. Previously a student at Berklee College of Music, it was Rahman who called him to sing for the Mani Ratnam film ‘<em>Kadal</em>.’ When I was in Berklee, I sent him (Rahman) an email with some of the original music I was releasing at the time. I never expected a response, so when he did respond I couldn’t contain myself.’<br /><div type="image" title="Sid Sriram" msid="96793988" hostid="261" sizebytes="61782"></div><br /><strong>Winning global accolades</strong><br /><br />He is the first Asian to win two Oscars for the movie <em>Slumdog Millionaire</em>. He has also composed for Hollywood movies like <em>127 hours, Pele, The 100-Foot Journey, Million Dollar Arm and People Like Us</em>, to<a href="https://www.arrahman.com/albums.aspx?id=11"> name</a> a few. He has collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the musical <em>Bombay Dreams</em>, staged in London’s West End and on Broadway. Rahman has shared the stage with stars such as Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger. <br />  <div type="image" title="Oscars" agency="BCCL" msid="96794008" hostid="261" sizebytes="31278"></div><br /><strong>A man of no words<br /></strong><br />Famed journalist Karan Thapar shared that Padma Shri winner AR Rahman was his ‘most difficult interview’. Rahman only answered in monosyllables. ‘His answers were “Ummmm”. When I asked him the second question, he answered, “Hmmmm.” When I asked him a third, it was “Ummmmmmmmmmm”, <a href="https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/karan-thapar-interview-on-his-interactions-with-modi-bhutto-and-more#read-more">wrote</a> Thapar in his book ‘<em>Devil’s advocate</em>’. <br />  <div type="image" title="BBC World" msid="96794105" hostid="261" sizebytes="35452"></div><br /><strong>Not so silent anymore</strong><br /><br />AR Rahman has become more vocal about his views. Upon being awarded ‘Icon’ at Confederation of Indian Industry, Rahman said, ‘I think India is India. For me, it doesn't matter. Somebody does good here, and north Indians benefit, somebody does good there, we benefit, the borders are broken,’ he <a href="https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/music/ar-rahmans-speech-on-north-and-south-india-goes-viral-india-is-india-time-to-show-unity-articleshow.html">said</a>. He also hates the term ‘Bollywood’ as it is generic and condescending in its description of India’s diverse <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ar-rahman-on-why-he-hates-bollywood-anything-coming-out-of-the-country-is-called-bollywood-its-condescending-to-artistes-7264184/">heritage</a>.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Bollywood gang" agency="BCCL" msid="96794138" hostid="261" sizebytes="81966"></div><br /><strong>Furious at <em>Masakali 2 </em>music remake</strong><br /><br />The movie <em>‘Delhi 6’</em> released in 2009 was a hit due to its groovy album composed by AR Rahman, sung by Mohit Chauhan, and lyrics penned by <keyword id="2257" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="prasoon-joshi" source="Orion">Prasoon Joshi</keyword>. The upcoming movie ‘<em>Masakali 2</em>’ album, starring <keyword id="132292" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="siddharth-malhotra" source="Orion">Siddharth Malhotra</keyword> and <keyword id="1476559" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tara-sutaria" source="Orion">Tara Sutaria</keyword>, has been subtly called out by the singer. He tweeted:<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="arrahman" handlename="A.R.Rahman" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1209988634184581120/Bu95OE_R_normal.jpg" favoritecount="50164" retweetcount="12385" status="Enjoy the original #Masakali  https://t.co/WSKkFZEMB4@RakeyshOmMehra @prasoonjoshi_  @_MohitChauhan https://t.co/9aigZaW2Ac" createdat="1586362696000" id="1247921714979205121"></div><br /><strong>‘A Bollywood gang against me’</strong><br /><br />Rahman broke his silence after Sushant Singh<a href="https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/no-place-for-talent-ar-rahman-saying-bollywood-gang-stopping-him-from-getting-work-stuns-fans-2735519.html"> Rajput’</a>s passing away. He composed music for SSR’s movie <em>Dil Bechara</em>. ‘I don’t say no to good movies, but I think there is a gang, which, due to misunderstandings, is spreading some false rumours…I am doing dark movies, because there is a whole gang working against me, without them knowing that they are doing harm,” he said in an interview with <em>Radio Mirchi</em>.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="AR Rahman" msid="96794184" hostid="261" sizebytes="38054"></div><br /><strong>KM Music Conservatory in Chennai</strong> <br /><br />Established in 2008 by the A.R. Rahman Foundation, KM Music Conservatory (KMMC) offers world class music education in Chennai. Lydian Nadhaswaram, the child prodigy from Chennai-based KM Music Conservatory appeared on World’s Best on CBS and won a $1 million prize in 2017.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="K.M Music Conservatory" msid="96794205" hostid="261" sizebytes="106598"></div><br /><strong>The Sunshine Orchestra</strong><br /><br />The Sunshine Orchestra was also founded in 2008 by the A R Rahman Foundation. Socially and economically-deprived children with an aptitude in music are provided free musical training through KM Music Conservatory. The group has played for many events and Rahman’s films, including <em>Cobra, Sanju and Shikara.</em><br /><br /><em></em><div type="image" title="AR Rahman Foundation" msid="96794238" hostid="261" sizebytes="72526"></div><br /><strong>AR Rahman’ directorial debut Le Musk</strong><br /><br />Rahman also made his debut as a director for a multi-sensory virtual reality film, Le Musk - at the 2022 Infinity Festival Hollywood. Inspired by the love for perfume he shares with his wife Saira Banu, Rahman used scent as a narrative device “creating a feature-length cinema VR experience that pushes boundaries of storytelling and incorporates multiple <a href="https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/597980719/film-composer-a-r-rahman-makes-directorial-debut-with-multi-sensory-film-le-musk-na-premiere-at-infinity-festival-hlwd">senses</a>.”<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Le Musk" msid="96794273" hostid="261" sizebytes="40444"></div><br />SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/foreign-institutional-investors-sell-shares-nearly-5000-crore-in-first-four-trading-days-of-2023/articleshow/96790974.cms">Foreign institutional investors sell nearly ₹5,000 crore worth equities in first four days of 2023</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/an-aai-and-two-college-dropouts-home-snacks-biz-sends-shark-tank-judges-into-a-bidding-war/articleshow/96784920.cms">An aai and two college dropouts’ home snacks biz sends Shark Tank judges into a bidding war</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/aman-gupta-and-anupam-mittal-backed-revamp-moto-launches-its-first-transformable-ev/articleshow/96790725.cms">Shark Tank S1 winner Revamp Moto launches an EV that lets you add a child seat, freezer box and more</a><em></em><br />

AR Rahman can leave dinner midway if inspiration strikes & other anecdotes about the reticent music maestro

<keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword>, often referred to as the City of Dreams, is not just a bustling metropolis of commerce and entertainment but also a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions. Amidst its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, Mumbai harbors an array of ancient temples, serene mosques, tranquil churches, and revered shrines that attract devotees and visitors alike. If you're seeking a spiritual journey amidst the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, here are some famous <keyword id="12095907" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="temples-in-Mumbai" source="Orion">temples in Mumbai</keyword> you must explore:<br /><br /><strong>1. Siddhivinayak Temple:</strong><br />Located in Prabhadevi, the Siddhivinayak Temple is one of Mumbai's most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Built-in the 18th century, the temple's inner sanctum houses a small black stone idol of Lord Ganesha, attracting millions of devotees every year, especially on auspicious occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi.<br /><br /><strong>2. Haji Ali Dargah:</strong><br />Situated on a tiny islet off the coast of Worli, the Haji Ali Dargah is a prominent Islamic shrine and a symbol of Mumbai's syncretic culture. Dedicated to the 14th-century Sufi saint Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, the dargah is visited by people of all faiths who come to seek blessings and witness the mesmerizing Qawwali performances held here.<br /><br /><strong>3. Mahalakshmi Temple:</strong><br />Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, the Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Believed to be one of the <keyword id="20573316" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oldest-temples-in-Mumbai" source="Orion">oldest temples in Mumbai</keyword>, it attracts devotees seeking blessings for financial stability and success. The temple's architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, adds to its spiritual allure.<br /><br /><strong>4. Mount Mary Church:</strong><br />Perched atop a hillock in Bandra, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a revered Catholic shrine. Dating back to the 16th century, the church is renowned for its annual Bandra Fair, where people from all walks of life gather to seek the blessings of Mother Mary and partake in the festive celebrations.<br /><br /><strong>5. ISKCON Temple:</strong><br />The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple in Mumbai, located in Juhu, is a hub of spiritual activities and devotional practices. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple complex houses beautifully crafted idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, attracting devotees and tourists seeking solace and enlightenment.<br /><br /><strong>6. Mumba Devi Temple:</strong><br />Paying homage to the city's namesake deity, the Mumba Devi Temple is one of <keyword id="20573317" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbais-oldest-and-most-revered-temples" source="Orion">Mumbai's oldest and most revered temples</keyword>. Situated in the bustling Bhuleshwar area, the temple is dedicated to Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of Mumbai, and is steeped in mythological and historical significance.<br /><br /><strong>7. Global Vipassana Pagoda:</strong><br />Located in Gorai, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a symbol of peace and tranquility. This majestic structure, adorned with intricate architecture and surrounded by lush greenery, serves as a meditation center and houses the world's largest stone dome without any supporting pillars, making it a marvel of modern architecture and spirituality.<br /><br /><strong>8. Babulnath Temple:</strong><br />Perched atop a hill in South Mumbai, the Babulnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. The temple's serene ambiance and panoramic views of the city make it a popular destination for devotees and tourists seeking spiritual solace and panoramic views of the city.<br /><br />Visiting these <keyword id="20573315" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="famous-religious-places-in-Mumbai" source="Orion">famous religious places in Mumbai</keyword> not only offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural tapestry but also provides a soul-stirring experience that transcends the mundane. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, Mumbai's spiritual landmarks promise to leave an indelible impression on your heart and soul.<br /><br />Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.<br />

Top must visit temples in Mumbai: unveiling the city's sacred side

Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the <keyword id="453325" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sabarimala-temple">Sabarimala temple</keyword> is located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. One of the most popular pilgrim sites and thronged by a huge inflow of devotees from all over the world, this centuries old temple boasts a lot of interesting facts including the following, which you might not know.<br /><br /><strong>The Lord killed the demoness Mahishi in this place</strong><br /><br />Mythology says this place is where the Lord killed the demoness Mahishi. Incarnating from the powers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Ayyappa killed the demoness Mahishi at this place. Mahishi was the sister of Mahishasura, the demon who was earlier killed by goddess Durga. <br /><br /><strong>Number 18 is the highlight of this temple</strong><br /><br />There are 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. These 18 gold plated steps of Sabarimala have a deep religious and spiritual significance. Also, Sabarimala is located amidst 18 hills of mesmerizing natural beauty that are found clad with green vegetation.<br /><br /><strong>Austere life for 41 days</strong><br /><br />The devotees of Lord Ayyappa observe a strict kind of austere life for 41 days before visiting the temple. The main aspects of life during this period include celibacy, vegetarian diet, avoiding the cutting of nails and hair and sleeping on the floor without comforts. It is said that this practice exists for more than 1,500 years. The preparatory phase to visit the temple also has a strict dress code that requires the devotees to wear black or blue or saffron colored dresses. The devotees wear some garlands made of Tulsi plant beads in their necks and Vibhuti and sandal paste on their foreheads.<br /><br /> <strong>Connections with Islam</strong><br /><br />Sabarimala has strong connections with Islam as there is a temple dedicated to Vavar, a Muslim Sufi saint. Though the exact history of Vavar is not known to us, mythology says he assisted the local prince who came in search of the Sabarimala temple a few hundred years back. There is a mosque dedicated to Vavar in the vicinity of the temple. <br /><br /><strong>The temple has an official song</strong><br /><br />Every day before the closing of the temple, a melodious song that has 108 words set in 8 stanzas is recited in front of the main deity. This song was composed by Srinivasa Iyer who sang this song in front of Ayyappa for many years.<br /><br /><strong>The name of this place has its roots in the Ramayana</strong><br /><br />During the times of Ramayana, there lived an ascetic woman named Sabari in this region. She was doing a strict penance for several years only to see Lord Sriram. Finally Ram visited her and accepted her humble offerings. The hill got the name Sabarimala after this historical character.<br /><br /><strong>Holy bath with ghee is highly auspicious to the main deity</strong><br /><br />The holy bath given to the main deity is called as Neiyyabhishekam. This is done with the ghee carried to the temple by the devotees who observe fasting and use emptied coconut shell to carry the ghee to the temple bundled in the same color cloth that the devotees wear during the 41 days austerity period before visiting the temple. <br /><br /><br /><br />

Unknown Facts About Sabarimala Temple

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Rabbi Michael Lerner delivered&#xa0;a powerful eulogy for boxing legend Muhammad Ali at his funeral on Friday, praising Ali for daring "to love black people at a time when black people had a hard time loving themselves" and calling for an end to Islamophobia.<p>Thousands of friends, family, celebrities, and political figures&#xa0;attended Ali's traditional Muslim memorial service&#xa0;in Louisville, Kentucky, which spanned more than&#xa0;two days. Ali died last week at 74 from complications related to his Parkinson's disease.</p><p>"Muhammad Ali had the courage to say no to Farrakhan and leave the anti-Semitism and homophobia of that part of Islam, and eventually to draw sustenance from the Sufi approach to Islam - the ultimate in a love-oriented religion,"&#xa0;<span>Lerner said, according <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.724338">to a transcript of the eulogy</a> provided to Israeli news outlet Haaretz in advance of the funeral.</span></p><p><span><span>Louis Farrakhan Sr. is the leader of the religious group the Nation of Islam, with which Ali became&#xa0;affiliated in the 1960s.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span>"If Muhammad Ali were here today, I'm sure his message would be this: Don't waste your time on this planet fighting the small battles - put your life energies and money into fundamental systemic transformation," said&#xa0;<span>Lerner, who is also a political activist and editor of the&#xa0;</span><span>Jewish&#xa0;magazine Tikkun</span><span>.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>Lerner said that what made Ali a hero was his courage to stand up to the "immoral" war in Vietnam by proclaiming himself a conscientious objector. Lerner was an anti-war activist along with Ali, who&#xa0;<span>refused</span><span>&#xa0;to serve in the US army&#xa0;and was immediately stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span>"Knowing he would lose his title, knowing he would face the racism of American society that would be heaped upon him for saying no to the crazy war in Vietnam," Ali said no to the&#xa0;war, Lerner said.</span></span></p><p><span><span>"He spoke truth to power - we must speak truth to power," he added.</span></span></p><p><span><span>Twitter users were quick to react to Lerner's speech.&#xa0;<span>Some commented that it was overly politicized, but t</span>he vast majority were positive, thanking Lerner for expressing solidarity with the Muslim community:</span></span></p><p><span><span><div></div></span></span></p><p><div></div></p><p><div></div></p><p>Lerner's eulogy, and the entire memorial service, had a strong interfaith message:</p><p><div></div></p><p><span><span>To honor Ali, he said: </span></span></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span><span>Tell the leaders of Turkey to stop bombing and murdering their Kurd minority.&#xa0;Tell the US to stop sending military supplies to Saudi Arabia, which is the sponsor of some of the most hate-filled teachings in the Islamic world and is one of the most repressive regimes on the face of the earth.<br /></span></span></p><p>He ended by affirming his "commitment&#xa0;to the&#xa0;well-being of all Muslims on this planet,&#xa0;as well as all people of all faiths and secular humanists."</p><p>Said Lerner:</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">We Jews, as well as our non-Jewish allies in all religions and secular humanists, wish to pay honor to the Muslims of the world as they continue today the fast of Ramadan, and join with them in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali, a great fighter for justice and peace.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/maryum-ali-muhammad-60-days-in-jail-incarcerated-undercover-2016-3">Muhammad Ali's daughter went undercover as an inmate in an Indiana jail - this was her scariest moment </a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="hvYmNiMjE6qOeyX9WUTwFy3OV3T0ERvS" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

A rabbi received a standing ovation for his powerful speech at Muhammad Ali's funeral

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>On the sports field and at awards ceremonies, it's common to hear people thanking God. Thanks to Allah is heard less often. </p>
<p>Still, there are <a href="http://features.pewforum.org/muslim-population-graphic/#/United%20States">over 2.5 million American Muslims</a>, making it the third largest religion in the country.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">While Muslims only account for 0.8% of the population, they have faced </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/09/11/13-years-after-9-11-anti-muslim-bigotry-is-worse-than-ever.html">rising discrimination and prejudice</a><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> since the 9/11 attacks 13 years ago. With the rise of groups like ISIS now seeking to promote their brand of violent extremism, that may be unlikely to end anytime soon.</span></p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-groups/">recent poll</a> reported that 62% of American's didn't personally know a Muslim, so here's a list of 10 Muslim Americans you probably will know.</p>
<h3>Dr. Oz</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of "The Dr Oz Show" and vice chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University, was </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/profiles/dr-mehmet-oz/4/">born in Ohio to Turkish parents</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. His mother's family was fiercely secular, while his father's family treated Islam as much more central to their lives. Dr. Oz has said he's struggled with his religious understanding, but describes his beliefs as a </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/facesofamerica/video/islam-and-identity/140/">mystical form of Islam closely related to Sufism</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p>
<h3>Shaquille O'Neal </h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>O'Neal has <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jan/11/sports/sp-shaq11">rarely spoken publicly</a> about being a Muslim, but in 2010 he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3VaLXPM3aY">did reveal</a> he intended to take the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, known as the Hajj. The Saudi government bars all non-Muslims from visiting the city of Mecca.</p>
<h3>Fareed Zakaria </h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The Indian-born journalist Fareed Zakaria hosts his own show on CNN, is an editor at large for Time Magazine, and writes a foreign affairs column for The Washington Post. Zakaria was raised by Muslim parents, though he has stated he doesn't consider himself </span><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/story/90760-fareed-zakaria-and-mosque/">"a particularly religious person</a>."</p>
<h3>Ellen Burstyn</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p>Emmy-winning actor Ellen Burstyn appears to follow a loose form <a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703376504575491923234302084">of Sufi Islam</a>, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Burstyn, known for "The Exorcist," "Requiem For A Dream," and "Political Animals," says she <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Celebrities/Ellen-Burstyns-True-Face.aspx?p=4">believes in aspects from many major religions</a>.</p>
<h3>Aasif Mandvi</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi is best known for his role as a "Daily Show" correspondent. Mandvi was born in India and then spent much of his childhood in the UK before his family </span><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/for-aasif-mandvi-cultural-irreverence-on-the-daily-show/545843">ultimately moved to Tampa, Florida</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p>
<p>Mandvi <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/for-aasif-mandvi-cultural-irreverence-on-the-daily-show/545843">told the Tampa Bay Times</a>, "My experience on 'The Daily Show' is that ... sometimes you get the thing that you want, but in a way that you never expected to get it."</p>
<p>"Like an important time to say something as a Muslim-American, as a brown person, as an immigrant. I feel like a lot of my work is about (exploring) that gap between cultures ... I just want to keep building on that," <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/for-aasif-mandvi-cultural-irreverence-on-the-daily-show/545843">he said</a>.</p>
<h3>Akon</h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>A self-described<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://hollowverse.com/akon/">"spiritual man</a>,"<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> Akon has weaved his religious beliefs into his music. In his song "Senegal," </span><a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Akon/_/Senegal">he raps</a>,<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"> "So what you know about how God comes first in our lives, everything that we do is for Allah."</span></p>
<h3>Dave Chappelle </h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>The comedian <span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Dave Chapelle has spoken about his beliefs on occasion but tends to shy away from talking about being a Muslim. "I don't normally talk about my religion publicly because I don't want people to associate me and my flaws with this beautiful thing," he </span><a href="http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1061415,00.html">told Time Magazine in 2005</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">.</span></p>
<p>In a later interview, the comedian said a trip to Africa had crystallized his beliefs. "I'm a Muslim, I don't necessarily practice the way a good Muslim is supposed to practice but I believe in these tenants," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnZoG_Fq_j0">Chapelle said</a>.</p>
<h3>Ice Cube</h3>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div>Rapper and "Law and Order SVU" star Ice Cube converted to Islam in the 1990s. Born and raised in LA California, </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2000/feb/25/icecube">Ice Cube has stated</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">, "What I call myself is a natural Muslim, because it's just me and God. You know, going to the mosque, the ritual and the tradition, it's just not in me to do. So I don't do it."</span></p>
<h3>T-Pain </h3>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div><p></p></div></div><span style="background-color: #00ff00;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Grammy Award winning rapper T-Pain was born Faheem Rasheed Najm and grew up in Tallahassee, Florida.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">He says most people aren't aware that he was raised a Muslim. "People don't even know. Me, Busta Rhymes, Lupe Fiasco - they don't even know we are Muslim. People think a Muslim has to have a turban or a big beard. It's stupid," </span><a href="http://hollowverse.com/t-pain/">T-Pain said</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p>
<p>However, T-Pain has also expressed broad beliefs in aspects of many religions, and has also stated that he doesn't like that religion separates people. </p>

9 Famous Americans You Probably Didn't Know Were Muslim

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://philly.reprintmint.com/006-default.html?src=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.philly.com%2Fimages%2F250*250%2FRS_1200x800_20171012_Uncredit.JPG&amp;verification=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.philly.com%2Fimages%2FRS_1200x800_20171012_Uncredit.JPG&amp;source=006&amp;title=Afghanistan%20Captives&amp;caption=Canadian%20Joshua%20Boyle%20and%20American%20Caitlan%20Coleman,%20who%20were%20kidnapped%20in%20Afghanistan%20in%202012,%20are%20shown%20in%20an%20image%20from%202016.">AP</a></span></p><p class="caption">Joshua Boyle, a Canadian, and Caitlan Coleman, an American, were kidnapped in Afghanistan in 2012. This image of them is from 2016.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The young family <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pakistani-forces-rescued-boyle-coleman-family-from-taliban-captivity-2017-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">freed this week from Haqqani network captivity</a> have <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/caitlan-coleman-joshua-boyle-taliban-hostage-family-canada-us-2017-10">boarded a commercial flight</a> to London from Islamabad, Pakistan, and will travel to Canada from there, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/13/asia/taliban-family-freed-london-canada/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a Pakistani military official told CNN</a>.</p><p>Joshua Boyle, a Canadian, and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, were <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/details-of-familys-captivity-in-pakistan-joshua-boyle-caitlan-coleman-2017-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">held hostage by the network for five years</a> after they were abducted while traveling in Afghanistan. Each of the couple's three children were born in captivity.</p><p>Speculation abounded Thursday after media reports said Boyle had refused to board a US transport plane that American officials had arranged for them. One US official <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-family-freed-after-five-years-of-taliban-captivity-now-wont-board-us-plane-2017-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told The Associated Press</a> that Boyle had been nervous about being in "custody" given his background, though another official clarified that the family was not formally in US custody.</p><p>White House chief of staff <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/10/12/kidnapped-canadian-family-released-after-5-years-of-being-held-hostage.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">John Kelly also said on Thursday</a> that US officials had "arrangements to transport them back to the United States, or to Canada, anywhere they wanted to go." He added that the family is receiving medical and psychological treatment.</p><p>"They've been essentially living in a hole for five years," Kelly said.</p><p>It's unclear what precisely about Boyle's background made him nervous around US officials, but media reports have noted that Boyle was once married to Zaynab Khadr - the sister of the Canadian-born former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr - who has expressed sympathies with Al Qaeda.</p><p>The siblings' late father, Ahmed Said Khadr, was an Al Qaeda financier close to Osama bin Laden, with whom the family had once briefly stayed. Officials, however, have dismissed any notion that the family's capture was connected to Boyle's previous marriage. In 2014, they described the Khadr family link as a "horrible coincidence."</p><p>In an <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/10/12/kill-the-hostages-were-the-last-words-joshua-boyle-and-his-family-heard-from-the-kidnappers.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">interview with the Toronto Star</a> on Thursday, which took place during a phone call to his Ontario-based parents, Boyle said his family looks forward to rebuilding their lives.</p><p>"My family is obviously psychologically and physically shattered by the betrayals and the criminality of what has happened over the past five years," Boyle told the Star. "But we're looking forward to a new lease on life, to use an overused idiom, and restarting and being able to build a sanctuary for our children and our family in North America."</p><p>Boyle added, jokingly, "I have discovered there is little that cannot be overcome by enough Sufi patience, Irish irreverence, and Canadian sanctimony."</p><h2>The rescue</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>AP Photo/Bill Gorman</span></p><p class="caption">Mother's Linda Boyle, left and Lyn Coleman hold photo of their married children, Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman, who were kidnapped by the Taliban in late 2012, Wednesday, June 4, 2014, in Stewartstown, Pa.</p></div><p></p></div></div>The release came together rapidly Wednesday. It happened nearly five years to the day after Coleman and Boyle lost touch with their families while traveling in a mountainous region near the Afghan capital of Kabul.</p><p>The couple set off in the summer of 2012 for a journey that took them to Russia, the central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and then to Afghanistan. Coleman's parents last heard from their son-in-law on October 8, 2012, from an internet cafe in what Boyle described as an "unsafe" part of Afghanistan.</p><p>The only trace of the couple since has been in the form of videos released by their captors and family letters.</p><p>Coleman's parents told the online Circa <keyword id="6355005" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="News">News</keyword> service in July 2016 that they received a letter from their daughter in November 2015, in which she wrote that she'd given birth to a second child in captivity. It's unclear whether they knew she'd had a third.</p><p>"I pray to hear from you again, to hear how everybody is doing," the letter read.</p><p>In that interview, Jim Coleman issued a plea to top Taliban commanders to be "kind and merciful" and let the couple go.</p><p>Boyle's parents said last year that a Taliban-released video had given them their first glimpse of their grandchildren.</p><p>"It is an indescribable emotional sense one has watching a grandson making faces at the camera, while hearing our son's leg chains clanging up and down on the floor as he tries to settle his son," the Boyles said in a written statement. "It is unbelievable that they have had to shield their sons from their horrible reality for four years."</p><p>The parents say their son told them in a letter that he and his wife have tried to protect the children by pretending their signs of captivity were part of a game being played with guards.</p><p>"It is simply heartbreaking to watch both boys so keenly observing their new surroundings in a makeshift film studio, while listening to their mother describe how they were made to watch her being defiled," the Boyles said.</p><p>US officials call the Haqqani group a terrorist organization and have targeted its leaders with drone strikes. But the group also operates like a criminal network. Unlike the Islamic State group, it does not typically execute Western hostages, preferring to ransom them for cash.</p><p>The US has long criticized Pakistan for failing to aggressively go after the Haqqanis. In recent remarks on his Afghanistan policy, Trump said that billions were paid to Pakistan "at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting."</p><p>"But that will have to change, and that will change immediately," he added.</p><p>In his statement Thursday, Trump described the release as "a positive moment for our country's relationship with Pakistan."</p><p>"The Pakistani government's cooperation is a sign that it is honoring America's wishes for it to do more to provide security in the region," he said. "We hope to see this type of cooperation and teamwork in helping secure the release of remaining hostages and in our future joint counterterrorism operations."</p><p>Canada's foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, said her country was "greatly relieved" the family was safe, and she thanked the US, Afghan, and Pakistani governments for their efforts.</p><p>"Joshua, Caitlan, their children, and the Boyle and Coleman families have endured a horrible ordeal over the past five years," Freeland said." We stand ready to support them as they begin their healing journey."</p><p><em>Editor's note: This story has been updated from a previous version, titled "The family freed after 5 years of Taliban captivity now refuses to board US plane," to reflect that the family boarded a flight early on Friday and is traveling to Canada.</em></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-marines-built-temporary-bridge-across-colorado-river-2017-9">Watch the US Marines place a temporary bridge across the Colorado River</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

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