Amidst the recent controversy surrounding A.R. Rahman's remarks about potential "communal" bias in Bollywood, his son, A.R. Ameen, has stepped forward to defend his father's legacy. The Oscar-winning composer found himself at the center of a heated debate after suggesting that his opportunities in the Hindi film industry have decreased in recent years, possibly due to regional and communal dynamics.
Rahman's initial comments were made during an interview with BBC Asian Network, where he alluded to a shift in power structures within Bollywood, with "non-creative" individuals now holding significant influence. He mentioned hearing "Chinese whispers" about projects initially offered to him being reassigned to multiple composers. While he clarified that he never directly experienced communal bias, he suggested it could be a contributing factor to the decline in his Bollywood projects.
These remarks triggered a range of reactions. Some public figures criticized Rahman, while others defended his lived experiences. Actress Kangana Ranaut accused Rahman of prejudice, while singer Shaan dismissed the existence of communal bias in the industry. Lyricist Varun Grover and singer Chinmayi Sripada, however, supported Rahman, with Sripada defending him against criticism regarding his patriotism.
In response to the backlash, A.R. Rahman posted a video message on Instagram, clarifying that his intentions were "sometimes misunderstood" and that he "never wished to cause any pain". He emphasized his deep connection to India, calling it his "inspiration, my teacher, and my home," and reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting society through his music. He highlighted his diverse projects, including nurturing young musicians and collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the Ramayana adaptation, to showcase his dedication to India's evolving music ecosystem.
Adding to the conversation, A.R. Ameen shared a series of posts on his Instagram Stories, emphasizing his father's achievements and the respect he has garnered throughout his career. These included a video of Rahman waving to a massive crowd at a cricket stadium as "Jai Ho" played, and a clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising Rahman's contribution to Indian culture. Modi stated that Rahman's music has "become a voice of Indian culture and won the hearts of crores of people worldwide". Ameen's actions underline his unwavering support for his father amidst the controversy, implicitly stating that A.R. Rahman's contributions and legacy cannot be diminished.
Rahman's daughters, Khatija and Raheema, also voiced their support. Raheema questioned the reactions to her father's statement, suggesting that his words were being misconstrued. Khatija criticized online arguments and urged people to focus on understanding different perspectives.
Amidst the controversy, it's important to note that Rahman has faced other challenges, including his recent divorce from Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage. His son, Ameen, addressed the separation on social media, requesting privacy for the family. He also refuted rumors linking his parents' divorce to Rahman's bassist, Mohini Dey, calling them "false and baseless".
Despite the controversies and personal challenges, A.R. Rahman remains a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. His son's recent social media posts serve as a reminder of his father's legendary status and the impact he has had on Indian culture.
