AR Rahman’s Daughters Back Composer Amid Backlash Over 'Communal' Bias Remark On Bollywood

AR Rahman has recently been in the news following his comments about an alleged 'communal' bias within Bollywood and his assertion that the film Chhaava benefited from 'divisiveness.' These remarks sparked a significant backlash nationwide. With the growing controversy, the Oscar-winning composer even released a video statement. After which, Malayalam composer Kailas Menon posted a detailed message on Instagram, imploring the public to refrain from 'disgracing' AR Rahman. Adding to the support, Rahman's daughters have also publicly backed their father.

AR Rahman’s children break the silence amid ‘communal’ remark controversy

Rahman’s daughter, composer and singer Khatija, reacted to the post by leaving clapping, fire, hundred and heart emojis in the comments. She also shared Kailas’ post on her Instagram stories, showing clear support for his view.

Khatija later posted a note that said, “Dear God, bless my friends who checked in on me without wanting anything in return. Return that love to them multiplied and bless everything they touch.”

Rahman’s other daughter, singer Raheema, also shared Kailas’ post about her father on her Instagram stories. His son, Ameen, has not commented on the controversy so far.

Malayalam composer Kailas Menon on AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ remark

Legendary music director AR Rahman has faced criticism for his remarks on the lack of opportunities in Hindi cinema. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman said that a possible ‘communal’ factor may explain why he has received far fewer offers from Hindi films over the past eight years. He also described Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava as a "divisive film" and said it polarised audiences due to its propagandist elements. While many people criticised Rahman for these statements, others defended him, particularly after he clarified his views. Composer Kailas Menon also voiced his support for Rahman.

Kailas shared a screengrab of a comment that called Rahman a ‘disgrace to Tamil Nadu and India’. Reacting to it, he expressed his view and wrote, “Disagree, don't disgrace. People blaming A. R. Rahman for speaking his mind are missing a basic point. He spoke about how he felt. That is his right.”

The composer stressed that Rahman has every right to speak about his own experience. He added, “You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience. What followed, however, has gone far beyond disagreement and entered the space of abuse and character assassination.”

Kailas also challenged those who attacked Rahman in the name of criticism. He wrote, “Calling a globally respected artist a 'disgrace', questioning his faith, mocking his recent works, and reducing his lived experience to a 'victim card' is not criticism. It's hate speech presented as opinion.”

He concluded by saying, “Criticism is fine, but outrage without respect says more about us than about him.” Kailas Menon is known for his work in Malayalam cinema, including Theevandi, Ittymaani: Made in China, and Dear Vaappi.