Allah Rakha Rahman, popularly known as AR Rahman, one of the best composers in the music industry, has drawn heavy criticism from Hindu voices following his recent comments regarding alleged communal bias in Bollywood.
The 59 year old man Kun Faya Kun The composer shared his views on ‘lost work’ in the industry during an interview.
“People who are not creative now have the power to decide things, and it could have been a community issue too, but not in my eyes,” Rahman told the BBC Asian Network online in the interview broadcast Wednesday.
“It seems to me that the Chinese are whispering that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, ‘Oh, that’s great, just rest for me.’ I can relax with my family,” he said during the 90-minute interview.
Right-wing commentators and activists have questioned Rahman’s patriotism and talent, accusing him of playing the “victim card.”
Vinod Bansal of the far-right Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organization demanded an apology from Rahman for “defaming” the country.
We are proud of him and everything he has done for the country. But for someone who has made his living from Indian industry, the way he is trying to defame the country is highly objectionable,” he said. Al Jazeera.
Amid the controversy, the composer came forward to clarify his position following a flood of media trolls.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Rahman said, “I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my goal has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music.”
He stressed that he remained grateful to the nation and noted that he had thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support to the Indian entertainment industry.
For those who don’t know, the legendary artist has won some of the world’s most coveted music awards, including Academy Awards, Grammys, and a Golden Globe.
His song Jai Ho which won him an Oscar, became a famous anthem.
The Oscar winner’s song in 1997 Maa Tujhe Salam on his album Vande Mataram was seen as unifying a diverse nation of 1.4 billion people.
AR Rahman’s blockbusters span Bollywood and Tamil cinema, with iconic hits like Chaiyya Chaiyya, Jai Ho, Dil Se Ré, You Hi Reand many more.
