Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has been at the centre of a heated controversy following comments he made about changing dynamics in the Hindi film industry. After facing intense backlash online, Rahman’s daughters Khatija and Raheema Rahman publicly came forward to support him, urging respectful dialogue and defending his right to express his experiences.
The latest turmoil began after Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, in which he spoke about how the volume of his work in Bollywood has declined over roughly eight years. He suggested this might be due to shifting power structures in the industry and hinted that in some cases, it could be related to a “communal thing,” based on what he had heard indirectly.
The comments quickly sparked a controversial debate on social media. While some defended his right to speak candidly, others criticised Rahman sharply — sometimes with personal and harsh language. A section of critics even questioned his faith and commitment to Indian cinema, which intensified the backlash.
Also read: Rani Mukerji Admits She Is Scared Of Gen Alpha Daughter Adira; ‘She’d Slap Me Right Back’
In response to the growing negativity, Malayalam music composer Kailas Menon took to Instagram with a heartfelt note titled “Disagree, don’t disgrace.” In it, he stressed that while people may disagree with Rahman’s views, they cannot take away his freedom to share his lived experience. Menon criticised the transformation of legitimate debate into abuse, character assassination, and hate speech disguised as opinion.
Menon also highlighted Rahman’s immense contributions to Indian and global music, urging critics not to undermine his legacy simply because of one statement. “Decades of contribution to Tamil culture, Indian cinema, and global music do not disappear because an artist expresses a personal view,” he wrote.
Rahman’s daughters stepped into the discourse by resharing Menon’s message on their Instagram accounts, signalling solidarity with their father. Composer-singer Khatija Rahman not only reposted the note on her Instagram Stories but also left supportive emojis — including claps, fire, hearts, and “100” — on Menon’s original post, demonstrating encouragement to those standing by her father’s right to speak.
Singer Raheema Rahman likewise shared the supportive message on her Stories, reinforcing the plea for respectful debate. As of now, Rahman’s brother A.R. Ameen has not publicly commented on the controversy. Amid the uproar, Rahman shared a video clarification on social media, emphasising that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He reaffirmed that his love for India and its cultural diversity is deep, describing music as his way of celebrating and honouring that heritage. Rahman reiterated that his comments were personal reflections and not meant to offend.
This episode has sparked broader conversations about freedom of expression, respectful discourse in public forums, and how public figures are treated online when they voice personal observations. Supporters argue that diverse voices and candid reflections enrich cultural discussions, while critics caution about the potential misinterpretation of complex issues.
As discussions continue on social platforms and in entertainment circles, many eyes remain on how the debate over Rahman’s remarks unfolds — including whether it leads to greater nuance in how such conversations are handled in the public sphere.