Mithoon Stands Firmly With AR Rahman Following Controversial Interview Remarks
Last week, the acclaimed Oscar-winning music maestro AR Rahman found himself at the center of a significant online storm. The controversy erupted following his recent interview with the BBC Asian Network, where he shared candid thoughts about the current state of power dynamics within Bollywood.
The Comments That Sparked the Firestorm
When questioned about potential bias in the Hindi film industry, Rahman made a pointed observation. "People who are not creative have the power now to decide things," he stated. He further elaborated, "And this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face." These remarks quickly went viral, leading to a torrent of online criticism. A vocal segment of social media users labeled the legendary composer as "anti-national" for his perceived commentary on industry biases.
Solidarity from a Fellow Maestro: Mithoon's Support
Amid the escalating row, prominent Bollywood composer Mithoon has stepped forward to publicly back Rahman. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Mithoon expressed his deep admiration and respect for the veteran artist.
"I have grown looking up to Rahman sir," Mithoon shared. "He was the man who threw every textbook rule out of the window, yet created a powerful impact in our industry." He highlighted Rahman's unparalleled three-decade-long career, which has gifted Indian cinema timeless soundtracks from films like 'Roja' (1992), 'Rangeela' (1995), 'Guru' (2007), and the iconic 'Rockstar' (2011).
Mithoon firmly asserted Rahman's right to express his views. "It’s been over three decades, and the country continues to love him. He has every right to say what he felt," he affirmed. "All I can say, as his contemporary, is that this country will continue to love him. There can be no other AR Rahman."
AR Rahman's Clarification and Reaffirmation of Love for India
The intense backlash compelled AR Rahman to issue a clarification regarding his statements. The music icon took to social media to address the situation, describing India as "my inspiration and my home."
He added, "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." This statement was seen as an attempt to quell the controversy and reaffirm his deep connection to the nation that has celebrated his artistry for generations.
Mithoon on Broader Industry Power Dynamics
When probed about whether he had personally encountered similar power struggles within the film fraternity, Mithoon offered a broader perspective. "I haven’t experienced anything like this [but] this must be happening in every field," he remarked.
He drew parallels to other creative professions, noting, "For instance, copywriters feel their bosses don’t understand what they are doing, or directors feel that producers don’t understand." Mithoon concluded by emphasizing the core objective of all artists, stating, "Ultimately, our job is to engage the audience with our art."
A Legacy of Global Acclaim
It is crucial to remember the monumental achievements that define AR Rahman's career. In 2009, he scripted history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a Golden Globe, securing the award for Best Original Score for the critically acclaimed film 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008). This was swiftly followed by an even greater honor—winning two Academy Awards (Oscars) for the same film, cementing his status as a global music icon.
This recent episode underscores the delicate balance public figures must maintain when expressing personal opinions. It also highlights the strong bonds of respect and solidarity that exist within the creative community, as evidenced by Mithoon's unwavering support for his esteemed colleague during a challenging time.
