Amid controversy, AR Rahman’s children come out in his defence

After AR Rahman courted controversy over remarks in which he suggested that he had lost work as the film industry became more communal and described Chhaava as a divisive film, his children publicly defended him by highlighting his contributions and global stature.

Rahman’s son Ameen shared a series of videos and photographs on social media showing the composer representing India on international platforms. One clip showed Rahman waving to fans in a packed stadium as Jai Ho played in the background, while others featured him taking selfies with large crowds during concerts.

Ameen also posted images of Rahman with President Droupadi Murmu, a video of him performing Vande Mataram alongside Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and a clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising Rahman’s music for becoming a voice of Indian culture that has resonated with millions worldwide, Indian Express reported.

Ameen further shared visuals of Rahman receiving the National Award for Best Music Director (Background Music) from the President for Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, as well as a clip in which the composer spoke about his experience at the Oscars, where he won the Academy Award for Original Score for Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.

Rahman’s daughter Khatija reshared the posts celebrating her father’s achievements. His other daughter, Raheema, responded to online criticism by sharing notes that criticised trolls for misusing religion to spread hatred.

The messages suggested that sacred texts across faiths teach values such as love, peace and truth, and that the hostility seen online stems from ignorance, toxic politics and social failure rather than religion itself. Another message pointed out that while religious scriptures coexist peacefully in libraries, conflicts arise among those who have never engaged with them meaningfully.