A visit from an Indian music maestro brought Middlesex University and its students to a standstill.

Indian composer, record producer, musician and singer AR Rahman who is probably best known as the winner of two Academy Awards for the music he wrote for the smash hit film Slumdog Millionaire, was awarded an honorary degree, making him a Doctor of Middlesex University, the highest honour the University can bestow.

When the word got out that their musical hero, AR Rahman, was coming to receive his honorary degree, excitement started to mount. When he arrived on campus, there were scenes reminiscent of Beatlemania; women screamed and men mobbed him for an autograph or just a glance in their direction!

In his speech to the University’s academics and students, AR Rahman said: "It is an enormous honour to belong to this great seat of learning. My journey as a musician started at the age of nine and I see music as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it.

"Music touches people and breaks down barriers, creating harmony in troubled times. This has always been my philosophy".

Along with Middlesex’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Driscoll, the musician also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between his KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, India and the University.

It will focus on educational collaboration between India and the UK. The two organisations have agreed to explore the possibilities for collaboration in music and education and to support one of AR Rahman’s ‘pet projects’, that of the blending of Asian and western musical styles.

During his visit to Middlesex University, AR Rahman revealed the current projects he is working on. He is scoring a comedy film and also writing and performing on a pop album, working with a well known hip hop label, Inderscope. His KM Music Conservatory has only been open a year, but already has 200 students.

He added: "As a human being I have so many interests. The Academy Awards [for Slumdog millionaire] opened doors worldwide and legitimised Indian musicians".