AR Rahman's Daughters Rally Behind Father in Bollywood Controversy
Music legend AR Rahman continues to face intense criticism for his recent remarks about what he called a 'communal' undercurrent in Bollywood. The Oscar-winning composer also commented that the film 'Chhaava' allegedly benefited from 'divisiveness'. Now, his daughters Khatija and Raheema have entered the public debate to support their father.
Composer Kailas Menon's Strong Defense
Malayalam composer Kailas Menon took to Instagram with a powerful message defending Rahman. He shared a screenshot showing someone calling Rahman a 'disgrace to Tamil Nadu and India'. In response, Menon wrote a detailed note urging people to 'disagree, don't disgrace'.
Menon emphasized that Rahman was simply expressing his personal feelings and experiences. 'He spoke about how he felt. That is his right,' Menon stated clearly. He pointed out that while disagreement is acceptable, the response to Rahman's comments has crossed into abuse and character assassination.
The composer called out specific attacks against Rahman:
- Labeling the globally respected artist a 'disgrace'
- Questioning his faith
- Mocking his recent musical works
- Reducing his lived experience to playing a 'victim card'
Menon stressed that such attacks constitute hate speech rather than legitimate criticism. He reminded everyone of Rahman's monumental contributions to Indian music and culture.
Defending Rahman's Legacy and Freedom of Speech
Kailas Menon made several important points in his defense of the music maestro:
- Rahman carried Indian music to the world stage and represented the country with dignity
- He shaped generations through his musical work
- Decades of contribution to Tamil culture and global music don't disappear because an artist expresses a personal view
- Freedom of speech applies equally to Rahman and his critics
'You may debate his opinion on a film. You may disagree with his interpretation. That's fair,' Menon wrote. 'What is not fair is public humiliation or attacking his integrity to silence what he said.'
He concluded with a thoughtful observation: 'Criticism is fine, but outrage without respect says more about us than about him.'
Family Support Through Social Media
Rahman's daughter Khatija, herself a composer and singer, showed strong support for Menon's message. She reacted to his post with multiple positive emojis including clapping hands, fire, hundred points, and heart symbols. Khatija then re-shared Kailas Menon's entire message on her Instagram Stories, clearly indicating her agreement with his defense of her father.
Additionally, Khatija posted a separate personal note that read: 'Dear God, bless my friends who checked in on me without wanting anything in return. Return that love to them multiplied and bless everything they touch.' This message appeared to reference the support she has received during this controversy.
Raheema Rahman, the younger daughter and also a singer, similarly amplified Kailas Menon's post on her Instagram Stories. Her action demonstrated solidarity with her father during this difficult period. Notably, Rahman's son Ameen has not yet made any public statement regarding the ongoing controversy.
The family's public support comes at a crucial time as the debate about Rahman's comments continues to generate discussion across social media platforms and entertainment circles. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Indian film industry regarding representation and communal dynamics.
