AR Rahman's Daughters Break Silence Amid Controversy
Music composer AR Rahman's daughters have finally spoken out. Khatija and Raheema Rahman broke their silence following the uproar over their father's recent remarks. They amplified a powerful post by Malayalam music composer Kailas Menon. Menon's note directly addressed the hate speech targeting Rahman.
Kailas Menon Pens Strong Note Against Hate
Kailas Menon took to Instagram to share his thoughts. He posted several screenshots showing people attacking AR Rahman. Some called Rahman a disgrace to Tamil Nadu and India. Others accused him of playing the victim card.
Menon wrote a clear message. "Disagree, don't disgrace," he stated firmly. He explained that people blaming Rahman for speaking his mind miss a basic point. Rahman simply expressed how he felt. That is his fundamental right.
Menon emphasized that disagreement is acceptable. However, the response has crossed a line. It has moved beyond simple disagreement into abuse and character assassination.
Menon Condemns Attacks as Hate Speech
The composer strongly criticized those attacking Rahman. Calling a globally respected artist a disgrace is not criticism. Questioning his faith is unacceptable. Mocking his recent work shows disrespect. Reducing his lived experience to a victim card is unfair.
"It's hate speech presented as opinion," Menon declared. He reminded everyone that AR Rahman is not a random voice. This is the man who carried Indian music to the world. He represented the country with immense dignity. His work has shaped multiple generations.
Menon made another crucial point. Decades of contribution do not vanish because an artist expresses a personal view. You can debate his opinion on a film. You may disagree with his interpretation. That is perfectly fair. Public humiliation is not fair. Attacking his integrity to silence him is wrong.
"Freedom of speech applies to Rahman as much as it applies to his critics," Menon asserted. The statement ended with a poignant observation. Criticism is fine. Outrage without respect says more about us than about him.
Rahman's Daughters React Publicly
AR Rahman's daughters reacted strongly to Kailas Menon's post. Composer-singer Khatija Rahman dropped a comment on the post. She responded with supportive emojis including clapping hands and a heart. She also re-shared Menon's post on her Instagram stories.
Khatija posted a separate cryptic note on her own account. It read as a message of gratitude. "Dear God, bless my friends who checked in on me without wanting anything in return," she wrote. She asked for that love to be returned multiplied. She requested blessings for everything they touch.
Meanwhile, Rahman's younger daughter Raheema also highlighted the post. The singer shared Kailas Menon's note on her Instagram stories. This public show of support marks their first direct response to the controversy surrounding their father.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began with AR Rahman's own comments. He hinted at a shift in power within Bollywood. He suggested unsaid communal reasons behind getting fewer projects. Rahman also shared that the film Chhaava cashed in on divisiveness.
These remarks did not sit well with many people online. It sparked significant backlash across social media platforms. Later, Rahman issued a clarification about his intentions.
He stated that music has always been his way of connecting and celebrating culture. India is his inspiration, teacher, and home. He acknowledged that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. His purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music.
The situation continues to develop. The support from his daughters and fellow artists highlights the personal impact of public criticism.
