RGV backtracks after claiming AR Rahman didn’t compose ‘Jai Ho’
The world of Indian cinema is no stranger to controversy, and the latest storm to brew is surrounding none other than the iconic song ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. In a shocking claim, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma stated that the song, which won numerous accolades including an Academy Award, was not composed by the legendary AR Rahman. Instead, Varma credited singer Sukhwinder Singh as the mastermind behind the song. However, soon after the clip of his statement resurfaced, Varma was quick to backtrack, claiming that he was misquoted and taken out of context.
For those who may be unaware, ‘Jai Ho’ is a song that was featured in the 2008 movie Slumdog Millionaire, which was directed by Danny Boyle. The song was composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar and Sukhwinder Singh lending his voice to the track. The song’s massive success can be measured by the numerous awards it won, including two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The song’s impact was not limited to India, as it became a global phenomenon, topping charts in various countries and cementing AR Rahman’s status as a world-renowned composer.
The controversy began when an old clip of Ram Gopal Varma surfaced, in which he can be heard claiming that Sukhwinder Singh was the one who composed ‘Jai Ho’, not AR Rahman. Varma’s statement sparked a heated debate, with many fans and industry insiders rushing to defend AR Rahman’s credibility. The clip quickly went viral, with many people expressing their outrage and disappointment at Varma’s claim.
However, soon after the clip resurfaced, Ram Gopal Varma took to social media to clarify his statement. In a series of tweets, Varma claimed that he was being misquoted and misread out of context. He stated that AR Rahman is the greatest composer and one of the nicest people he has ever met, and that he would never try to take away credit from him. Varma’s clarification was seen as a damage control measure, as he attempted to diffuse the controversy and salvage his relationship with the legendary composer.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Ram Gopal Varma has been embroiled in a controversy. The filmmaker has a history of making provocative statements, which often spark heated debates and outrage. While some people appreciate his bold and unapologetic approach, others criticize him for being insensitive and attention-seeking. In this case, Varma’s claim about ‘Jai Ho’ has once again put him in the spotlight, albeit for the wrong reasons.
The question on everyone’s mind is, why would Ram Gopal Varma make such a claim in the first place? Was it a genuine mistake, or was it a publicity stunt to garner attention? While we may never know the real reason behind Varma’s statement, one thing is certain – it has sparked a heated debate about the credibility of AR Rahman and the song ‘Jai Ho’. The fact that Varma was quick to backtrack and clarify his statement suggests that he may have realized the gravity of his words and the potential damage they could cause to his relationship with AR Rahman and the film industry at large.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ is a reminder that words have power, and they can have far-reaching consequences. While Ram Gopal Varma may have intended to spark a debate or create controversy, his claim has ultimately ended up damaging his reputation and credibility. As for AR Rahman, his legacy remains intact, and ‘Jai Ho’ continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest songs in Indian cinema history.
About the Author
