AR Rahman Defended by Kailas Menon Amid Criticism — How His Kids Reacted to the Backlash
The name AR Rahman is synonymous with musical brilliance not just in India but around the world. The Oscar-winning composer has been inspiring generations of music lovers and artists for decades. But recently, Rahman found himself at the centre of a heated public debate that quickly snowballed into a storm on social media.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at how Malayalam composer Kailas Menon stepped forward to defend AR Rahman amid growing criticism, and how Rahman’s children reacted to the controversy. We break down the key developments, explanations, and why this incident has reignited a broader discussion about respectful public discourse and freedom of expression.
Who Is AR Rahman and Why Is He in the Spotlight?
AR Rahman is one of the most celebrated music composers in the world. With an illustrious career spanning more than three decades, Rahman has won multiple national awards, Grammys, and even two Academy Awards for his music work. His journey from a young musician in Chennai to a globally recognised icon is truly remarkable.
However, in a recent interview on BBC Asian Network, Rahman made comments about how his work opportunities in Hindi cinema have declined over the past eight years. He suggested that this shift might sometimes be linked to changes in the industry and hinted at a possible “communal thing” behind some decisions — not something he had experienced overtly, but something he felt might be part of indirect industry dynamics.
These remarks stirred significant reactions across social media platforms, with many turning the debate into a heated online argument.
The Controversy: What Did AR Rahman Say?
At the core of the debate was Rahman’s comment about the changing landscape of Bollywood music opportunities. The composer noted that fewer offers have come his way in recent years, and while he did not accuse anyone or make direct allegations, he mentioned that it could sometimes be a “communal thing.” This phrase sparked intense discussion, as opinions varied widely on what Rahman meant and whether his statement was fair.
Adding to the tension, he referred to the film Chhaava as having elements of divisiveness — a remark that further intensified reactions online.
With social media responses ranging from criticism to outright hostility, what could have been a simple industry conversation became a broader debate about freedom of speech, modern Bollywood politics, and personal opinions.
Kailas Menon Steps In: Defending AR Rahman
Amid the growing backlash, Malayalam music composer Kailas Menon publicly defended AR Rahman. Menon took to Instagram and shared a thoughtful post arguing that while disagreement with Rahman’s views is fine, personal attacks and character assassination are not.
Menon wrote that criticism should be respectful and not cross the line into hate or abuse. He pointed out that calling Rahman “a disgrace to Tamil Nadu and India,” questioning his faith, or mocking his body of work was not constructive criticism — it was hate speech disguised as opinion.
In his note, Menon highlighted Rahman’s legacy, reminding his audience that Rahman is not “a random voice” but an artist who has carried Indian music to the world, shaping generations and contributing to both Tamil culture and Indian cinema.
One of Menon’s key lines was simple yet powerful: “Disagree, don’t disgrace.” This became the central theme of his response and served as a call for more thoughtful, respectful public debate.
AR Rahman’s Clarification to the Public
As the online debate intensified, AR Rahman himself issued a video clarification to his fans and followers. In his message, he stated that his comments were never meant to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He emphasised that India is his inspiration, his teacher, and his home, and that his intention has always been to honour culture through music.
Rahman’s clarification aimed to calm the situation and reiterated his belief that music should uplift and unite, not divide. While the conversation didn’t disappear entirely, his statement did help shift some focus toward reconciliation and understanding.
How Rahman’s Children Responded
As the backlash grew, AR Rahman’s daughters — Khatija and Raheema Rahman — publicly showed their support for their father. They shared Kailas Menon’s Instagram post on their own social media stories and echoed the message of respectful disagreement.
Khatija’s public response included reactions such as clapping, fire, heart, and hundred emojis — clear signs of solidarity with both her father and Menon’s message.
She also posted a personal note asking for blessings and gratitude for those who stood with her family without seeking anything in return. Meanwhile, Raheema also re-shared Menon’s message, reinforcing the idea that disagreement should not turn into personal attacks.
However, AR Rahman’s son, A.R. Ameen, has not yet publicly commented on the situation.
Why This Matters: Respectful Conversation in the Digital Age
The AR Rahman controversy underlines a broader issue that many public figures face in today’s digitally connected world — the difficulty of navigating personal expression without risking backlash or misinterpretation.
Rahman’s comments sparked a wide range of reactions, including some that turned hostile. Kailas Menon’s defense and Rahman’s children’s responses emphasised that freedom of speech should go hand in hand with respect.
This episode has encouraged many well-wishers and fans to consider how online conversations can stay civil even in disagreement — a lesson that has relevance far beyond the world of music and entertainment.
Closing Thoughts
AR Rahman remains one of the most influential composers in the global music scene. The recent backlash over his remarks invited both criticism and support, sparking an important conversation about how public figures are treated in digital spaces.
Through Kailas Menon’s defence and his children’s supportive reactions, the focus has shifted from mere negativity to a call for balanced dialogue. At a time when emotionally charged conversations can quickly snowball, this episode reminds us why respectful disagreement and understanding matter.
For fans of AR Rahman and lovers of music around the world, this incident highlights not only the complexity of creative industries but also the importance of unity, empathy, and constructive engagement in online conversations.
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