Last week, this Oscar-winning artist, AR Rahman, faced constant online attacks over his BBC Asian Network interview comments. Asked about bias in Bollywood, he stated, “People who are not creative have the power now to decide things. And this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face.” The top Indian music talent now battles trolls labeling him “anti-national” for that biased comment.
Mithoon backs AR Rahman
Now, Mithoon, his fellow Bollywood composer, has backed Rahman amid the row. “I have grown looking up to Rahman sir. He was the man who threw every textbook rule out of the window, yet created a powerful impact in our industry,” Mithoon told mid-day about the composer whose 30+ year career delivered hits like ‘Roja’ (1992), ‘Rangeela’ (1995), ‘Guru’ (2007), and ‘Rockstar’ (2011). In 2009, he made history as the first Indian to win the Golden Globe for Best Original Score for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008), then claimed two Oscars for the same film.
AR Rahman deserves his views
Mithoon strongly affirmed that the Mozart of Madras has every right to his views. “It’s been over three decades, and the country continues to love him. He has every right to say what he felt. All I can say, as his contemporary, is that this country will continue to love him. There can be no other AR Rahman,” he shared. The fierce backlash to Rahman’s words forced him to clarify, stating India as “my inspiration and my home” while adding, “I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honor, and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain.”
Power dynamics beyond AR Rahman
When asked if he’d faced power dynamics in the industry, Mithoon replied, “I haven’t experienced anything like this [but] this must be happening in every field. For instance, copywriters feel their bosses don’t understand what they are doing, or directors feel that producers don’t understand. Ultimately, our job is to engage the audience with our art.”
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