AR Rahman might have composed some uplifting spiritual songs, but religion has dragged him into some unwanted talk on Twitter.
The composer posted a picture of himself with his wife and daughter at a recent event celebrating 10 years of his Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008) score.
While Rahman himself posed in a sherwani, his daughter’s choice of wearing a naqab (veil) was criticized by trolls online.
A singer herself, Khatija has sung under Rahman’s baton in Enthiran (2010). She has also sung for other composers. She was part of the soundtrack of the recent Maari 2 (2018) and Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven (2019).
Khatija’s choice of wearing the veil was criticized by trolls as being ‘forced’. However, she put up a post on Facebook defending her choice, saying her father had no role in it.
In the post, she wrote, “I would like to say that the attire I wear or the choices I make in my life does not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice with complete acceptance and honour. I’m a sane mature adult who knows to make my choices in life. Any human being has a choice to wear or do what he/she wants and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
Rahman won two Academy awards for his music in Slumdog Millionaire at the 2009 Oscars ceremony.