Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman, who has recently faced significant public scrutiny regarding his comments on communalism within Bollywood and the film Chhaava, has now indicated his intention to move beyond the controversy. The celebrated musician addressed these issues during an interaction with Noise and Grains, the organizers of his upcoming Wonderment Tour scheduled to take place in Chennai.
Rahman's Cryptic Response to Clarification Questions
When singer-comedian Alexander Babu questioned Rahman about the statement he had previously released to clarify his position, the composer offered a somewhat cryptic response. "See, in life you have to prepare. And we have to prepare for everything," Rahman remarked before smiling and suggesting the conversation should progress to other topics, adding that "we all know" what the situation entails.
'When You Explain, They Won't Listen'
Alexander Babu expressed feeling "a little sad" that Rahman found it necessary to outline his achievements and express his love for India in his clarification statement. In response, Rahman observed, "But you know what, it's better we move on with something else because people who know you don't need an explanation. And when you explain, they won't listen to you, those who don't..." He concluded this thought with a chuckle, emphasizing his desire to shift focus away from the controversy.
Communalism in Bollywood: Rahman's Perspective
In a separate interview conducted with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked whether he had ever encountered prejudice within Bollywood as a Tamil composer. He responded thoughtfully, "Maybe I never got to know of this, maybe it was concealed by God, but I didn't feel any of this. The past eight years, maybe, because a power shift has happened, and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also... but it is not in my face."
Criticism of Chhaava and Subsequent Backlash
During this same interview, Rahman offered criticism of the film Chhaava, accusing it of capitalizing on "divisiveness." These comments triggered substantial backlash across various social media platforms, with many users expressing disagreement with his perspective on the film's content and messaging.
Rahman's Clarification Statement
Following the widespread outrage that emerged in response to his remarks, the Oscar-winning composer released a video statement to reiterate his original intentions. In this clarification, he stated, "Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt."
Rahman's comments come at a time when discussions about representation and communal dynamics within the Indian film industry have gained increased attention. The composer's desire to move past the controversy suggests a focus on his musical endeavors, particularly his upcoming Wonderment Tour which promises to showcase his celebrated compositions to audiences in Chennai and beyond.
