Kailas Menon Stands Up for AR Rahman in Heated Online Debate
Music composer AR Rahman recently faced intense backlash for his comments about Hindi cinema. He suggested a lack of opportunities exists and pointed to 'communal factors' as a reason. This statement ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms.
Menon's Strong Defense on Social Media
Popular Malayalam composer Kailas Menon has now entered the fray to defend Rahman. Menon, known for his work in films like 'Theevandi' and 'Vaashi', shared a detailed post on Instagram. He argued that people attacking Rahman are missing a fundamental principle.
"He spoke about how he felt. That is his right," Menon stated clearly. "You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience." He observed that the reaction has escalated far beyond simple disagreement.
Menon described the situation as having entered a space of abuse and character assassination. He specifically called out the harsh language used against the Oscar-winning maestro.
- Calling a globally respected artist a 'disgrace'
- Questioning his personal faith
- Mocking his recent musical works
- Reducing his lived experience to a 'victim card'
"This is not criticism," Menon asserted. "It's hate speech presented as opinion."
The Core Argument: Respect Amid Disagreement
Kailas Menon emphasized a crucial distinction in his note. He acknowledged that disagreeing with someone's artistic opinion is perfectly normal and fair. Debating Rahman's views on a film or his interpretation of events is part of healthy discourse.
However, he drew a firm line at public humiliation. Attacking Rahman's integrity simply to silence his voice crosses a boundary. "Freedom of speech applies to Rahman as much as it applies to his critics," Menon reminded everyone.
He concluded with a poignant reflection. "Criticism is fine, but outrage without respect says more about us than about him." Menon's defense highlights the need to separate personal attacks from substantive debate, especially when discussing a figure of Rahman's stature in Indian cinema.
AR Rahman's Clarification Following Backlash
In response to the widespread controversy, AR Rahman posted a video message on his own Instagram account. He sought to clarify his intentions and soothe the heightened emotions.
"Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring a culture," Rahman said. He described India as his inspiration, his teacher, and his home.
Rahman acknowledged that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood in public discourse. "My purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music," he stated. The composer expressed that he never wished to cause any pain and hoped his sincerity would be recognized.
This episode underscores the volatile nature of online discussions about cinema and identity. It raises important questions about the limits of criticism and the protection of artistic expression in the digital age.
