Noted music composer AR Rahman shared a video post on his social media on Sunday addressing the backlash following his comments in one of the recent interviews, saying intentions can be “misunderstood sometimes” but he did not want to cause any pain with his words.
Rahman, known for his music in films like ‘Roja’, ‘Bombay’ and ‘Dil Se..’ among others shared a post on his Instagram explaining the same.
The 59-year-old composer said music has always been “a way to connect, celebrate and honor Indian culture”.
“India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my goal has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music. I never wished to cause pain and I hope my sincerity is felt,” he said in the video.
“I feel blessed to be Indian, which allows me to create a space that always allows for freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. From tending Jhalaa, presented at the WAVES Summit in front of the Honorable Prime Minister and Rooh-e-Noor, to working with young Naga musicians, to creating a string orchestra, to mentoring Sunshine and building the virtual multicultural orchestra Secret of India, scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer strengthened my intention,” he added.
What is this dispute?
AR Rahman’s comments come days after he gave an interview to the BBC Asian Network, during which he noted how less work has come to him in recent years due to the shift in power in the Hindi film industry, and said it could also be because of a “communal thing”.
“I’m not looking for a job. I want the work to come to me; the honesty of my work to make a living. I feel it’s a shame if I keep looking for things… People who aren’t creative now have the power to decide things, and this might have been a social thing, but not in my face. It’s like five Chinese whispers that I booked and hired you, their music company is great, oh, their music company is great.” rest for me, I can rest with my family,” he said in the interview.