RGV backtracks after claiming AR Rahman didn’t compose ‘Jai Ho’
The world of Bollywood is no stranger to controversy, and the latest stir has been caused by none other than filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. In an old clip that recently resurfaced, Varma can be seen claiming that the Oscar-winning song ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire was not composed by the legendary AR Rahman, but rather by singer Sukhwinder Singh. This statement sent shockwaves through the film industry, with many fans and fellow artists coming to Rahman’s defense.
For those who may be unaware, ‘Jai Ho’ is one of the most iconic and beloved songs in Indian cinema history. Composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar and Sukhwinder Singh on vocals, the song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2009. It was a moment of pride for the entire nation, and Rahman’s achievement was hailed as a milestone in Indian music.
However, Ram Gopal Varma’s recent claim has cast a shadow over this achievement. In the clip, Varma can be seen saying that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of the song, and not AR Rahman. This statement has been met with widespread criticism and outrage, with many calling out Varma for trying to diminish Rahman’s contribution to the song.
But soon after the clip resurfaced, Varma took to social media to clarify his statement. “I’m being misquoted and misread out of context,” he said. “AR Rahman is the greatest composer and nicest person I ever met. He’s the last person to take away anybody’s credit.” Varma’s clarification has been seen as a damage control measure, as he tries to undo the harm caused by his earlier statement.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Varma has been involved in a controversy. The filmmaker has a history of making provocative statements and taking potshots at his colleagues in the industry. While some see him as a maverick who speaks his mind, others view him as a attention-seeker who will stop at nothing to stay in the news.
In this case, however, Varma’s statement has been widely condemned. Many have pointed out that ‘Jai Ho’ is a well-documented song, with Rahman’s contribution to its composition and production well-established. The song’s credits, which list Rahman as the composer and Gulzar as the lyricist, are a matter of public record. Sukhwinder Singh, who sang the song, has also consistently credited Rahman as the composer in interviews and public appearances.
So what could have motivated Varma to make such a claim? Some have speculated that he may have been trying to provoke a reaction or generate controversy. Others have suggested that he may have been trying to promote his own work or agenda. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Varma’s statement has backfired, and he is now facing a backlash from fans and fellow artists.
As the controversy dies down, it’s worth reflecting on the impact of Varma’s statement. While it’s unlikely to damage Rahman’s reputation or legacy, it may have caused unnecessary hurt and offense to the composer and his fans. It’s also a reminder of the importance of verifying information and being mindful of the impact of our words on others.
In the end, ‘Jai Ho’ remains an iconic and beloved song, and AR Rahman’s contribution to its composition and production is undeniable. As Varma himself has now acknowledged, Rahman is a genius composer and a nice person who deserves our respect and admiration. Let’s hope that this controversy will serve as a reminder to be more thoughtful and considerate in our words and actions, and to always give credit where credit is due.
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