Music composer AR Rahman recently responded to criticism that has been directed at comments on alleged communal biases within the Hindi film industry. After the strong reaction he received on social media over his recent interview, the Oscar-winning musician has shared his voice in a video message.
He took to Instagram to set the records straight, and this time around, he asserted that India has and will always remain an integral part of his life. Within the video, he said he considers singing as the main source of expressing and reaching out to others, but without casting an intent of harming others' sentiments.
Watch the video here:
What did Rahman say in the video?
While emphasizing musicianship as the main tool for expressing himself and reaching out, he clarified that he never tried to offend the sentiments of others. 'Dear friends, music has always been means for me to reach out, celebrate and pay tribute to a culture. I look at India as inspiration, as teacher, and as home. I know there is always a possibility of misinterpretation in the best of intentions. But my intention has always been to uplift, to pay tribute to, and to serve through music. I have never wished to wound,' Rahman said.
He further said, 'I feel very lucky that I am an Indian, because this country, for some reason, provides me with the space that believes in the freedom of creativity.' Rahman also spoke about how this environment has influenced his or outlook. Moreover, the composer looked back on his experience and shared some works he thinks tend to affirm his intention.
'From Jala to presenting at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and the presence of Ruhi Noor, to working together with the youth of Nagaland to form a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Music Academy and forming Secret Mountain, India's first-ever cultural virtual band and the greater honour of composing scores for Ramayana along with Hans Zimmer,' said Rahman.
In the latter half of the video, Rahman thanked India for the support he received there and reiterated that he will writes music that'll 'honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.'
Paresh Rawal reacts
Now Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal has reacted to the Rahman's video. He took to his X account and wrote, 'We love you sir. You are our pride.'
Also Read: ‘I am Muslim…’: AR Rahman explains why he worked on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, responds to trolls
