It's nearly impossible to separate the chaotic, vibrant action of Slumdog Millionaire from A.R. Rahman's propulsive, haunting soundtrack. Combining the percussion and rhythms of his native India with droning synths and distorted guitars, Rahman captures the sonic landscape of this rapidly globalizing country on the threshold of the 21st century.

Rahman's work on the film won him two Oscars, for Original Score as well as for Original Song, courtesy of the borderline too-catchy "Jai Ho."

Oh yeah, and in 2009, this composer/singer-songwriter/producer/philanthropist/all-around-rock star was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world. (Source)