Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has received powerful backing from the Malayalam music community. This support comes after he faced severe online criticism for his recent comments about Hindi cinema.
Personal Attacks Spark Outrage
The backlash against Rahman quickly turned personal. Fellow musicians reacted sharply to the online trolling directed at the celebrated composer.
Kailas Menon's Strong Defense
Composer Kailas Menon openly condemned the trolling. He objected strongly to Rahman being labeled a "disgrace" for expressing his personal views.
In a widely shared Instagram post, Kailas wrote, "People blaming A. R. Rahman for speaking his mind are missing a basic point. He spoke about how he felt. That is his right."
Kailas emphasized that disagreeing with an opinion does not justify personal abuse. He stated clearly, "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."
The composer added that Rahman's entire artistic legacy cannot be dismissed because of a single viewpoint.
Sithara Krishnakumar Joins Support
Playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar also stood with Rahman. She highlighted the growing intolerance toward personal expression in today's society.
"We have become a society where expressing a personal view invites dismissal, shaming, and ruthless judgment," she wrote. Sithara added that silencing voices has never been a solution. "Listening has," she emphasized strongly.
Family Shows Solidarity
Rahman's daughter Khatija Rahman reshared Kailas Menon's post. This action subtly signaled her family's support during this difficult time.
Kailas concluded his defense by reminding critics about Rahman's stature. He noted that Rahman is "not a random voice" but an artist who carried Indian music to the global stage.
"You may debate his opinion on a film. You may disagree with his interpretation. That's fair. What is not fair is public humiliation or attacking his integrity to silence what he said," Kailas stated firmly.
Rahman's Original Comments
Earlier, AR Rahman spoke to BBC Asian Network about receiving less work in Bollywood. His comments quickly went viral across social media platforms.
He said, "People who are not creative have the power now to decide things." Rahman added, "This might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face."
The composer explained that he heard things through others. He shared, "They booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers."
Rahman ended his comments on a lighter note. He said, "That's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family."
The Malayalam music fraternity's support highlights important questions about artistic freedom and respectful discourse in the entertainment industry.
