Khatija Rahman is a singer and composer from Chennai, India, whose work spans the realms of music. A Commerce graduate from Stella Maris College and a Youth Red Cross volunteer, she went on to complete her Bachelors and Masters in Islamic Studies from B.S. Abdur Rahman College, Vandalur. She is our Kindness Ambassador.

Khatija began her philanthropic journey by volunteering at the Adyar Cancer Institute and the Little Flower School for the Blind. Passionate about social impact, she is deeply invested in women empowerment, supporting small businesses, and reviving fading arts and crafts. Currently, she serves as the Director and Trustee of The A.R. Rahman Foundation, where she plays a key role in the organization’s daily operations, capacity building, and music research initiatives.

Musically, Khatija made her playback debut in the acclaimed 2010 sci-fi action film Robot, singing alongside legends such as her father A.R. Rahman and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. Since then, she has continued to make her mark with a range of projects including her critically acclaimed debut single Farishton (2020), an animated music video composed by A.R. Rahman that speaks to empathy, unity in diversity, and women empowerment. The video was celebrated globally and received an honourable mention at the 2021 Los Angeles Film Awards. She sang her single Farishton (2020), live The Restore Awards® in 2020.

In 2019, she collaborated with the legendary Irish rock band U2 on their single Ahimsa, performing it live during their Joshua Tree Tour in Mumbai. Her debut album Kuhu Kuhu (2023) pays homage to Lata Mangeshkar through all-acoustic renditions, featuring the renowned all-female Firdaus Orchestra. The music video for the album’s lead single “Piya Tose” showcased global representation and creative collaboration.

Khatija also made her debut as a music composer with the 2024 film Minmini and continues to push musical boundaries with standout tracks like “Sagavaasi” with Arivu on Coke Studio India (2023). Her diverse vocal portfolio includes songs such as “Chinnanjiru (Marumurai)” from Ponniyin Selvan: II, “Pranama Pranama” from Nayakudu, “Tum Bhi Raahi (Reprise)” from Mili, “Rock A Bye Baby” from Mimi, and “Kaayam” from Iravin Nizhal. She has also lent her voice to powerful compositions like “Moopilla Thamizhe Thaaye” and Ricky Kej’s sustainability anthem Iltaja.

Recognized for both her musical prowess and her outspoken advocacy, Khatija has been featured in national publications such as Elle, Cosmopolitan India, and Platform for her artistic vision, sartorial expression, and voice in shaping conversations around beauty, culture, and identity.

An advocate for peace, Khatija Rahman continues to be an important and inspiring voice of her generation. She remains committed to the initiatives at Kindness Practice Foundation to help create awareness on women’s health,