Chinmayi Sripaada Backs AR Rahman in Singing Dispute
Music legend AR Rahman has found himself in the spotlight again. This time, it is over a journalist's claim about his refusal to sing during an interview. The issue has sparked heated discussions across social media platforms.
The Controversial Claim
A journalist recently stated that during a television interview, she repeatedly asked AR Rahman to sing or hum his iconic patriotic song 'Maa Tujhe Salaam'. According to her, the composer firmly declined her request. This anecdote quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Chinmayi Sripaada's Response
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has now stepped forward to address the controversy. She took to her X account to share her personal experience performing with AR Rahman.
Chinmayi wrote, "AR Rahman and all of us sang Vande Mataram to a crowd that chanted along with us on November 23, 2025, in Pune at the R K Laxman memorial award concert. He sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at almost every concert. Everyone who has attended his concerts knows this fact well."
She suggested that perhaps Rahman did not feel like singing that particular day or his voice was not at its best. "And that's perfectly okay," she added. Chinmayi also pointed out that the reactions under the tweet highlight what has gone wrong recently in public discourse.
AR Rahman's Recent Statements
This singing controversy comes amid other comments made by AR Rahman. In a recent interview with the BBC, he discussed how his work in the Hindi film industry slowed down. He cited power dynamics and possibly a "communal thing" as reasons. His remarks drew responses from several celebrities including Javed Akhtar, Anup Jalota, and Shobhaa De.
Following the backlash, AR Rahman released a new video to clarify his stance. In it, he emphasized that India has always been at the heart of his life and creativity.
Rahman stated, "India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honor, and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt."
Current Projects and Industry Context
Meanwhile, in Bollywood, AR Rahman remains active with his compositions. He recently worked on the music for Laxman Utekar's film 'Chhaava', which was released in theaters last year. His enduring influence in the industry continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and peers.
The entertainment landscape often sees such debates, but figures like Chinmayi Sripaada remind us to consider context before jumping to conclusions. As the story unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between public expectations and personal boundaries for artists.
