RGV backtracks after claiming AR Rahman didn’t compose ‘Jai Ho’
The world of Bollywood is no stranger to controversy, and the latest storm to hit the headlines involves none other than acclaimed filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma and the legendary composer AR Rahman. In a shocking claim, Varma was seen in an old clip stating that the Oscar-winning song ‘Jai Ho’ was not composed by AR Rahman, but rather by singer Sukhwinder Singh. This statement sent shockwaves through the industry, with many fans and fellow artists coming to the defense of the revered composer.
For those who may be unaware, ‘Jai Ho’ is a iconic song from the 2008 film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which won several Academy Awards, including the prestigious Oscar for Best Original Song. The song, which was composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar and sung by A.R. Rahman, Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, and Mahalakshmi Iyer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Bollywood songs of all time. The song’s success was a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of the entire team involved, with AR Rahman’s composition being a major factor in its global appeal.
However, in the clip that resurfaced, Ram Gopal Varma can be seen claiming that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of the song, and not AR Rahman. This statement was met with widespread criticism and outrage, with many calling out Varma for his alleged attempt to undermine Rahman’s achievement. The clip sparked a heated debate on social media, with fans and industry insiders alike weighing in on the controversy.
But in a surprising turn of events, Ram Gopal Varma has now backtracked on his statement, claiming that he was “misquoted and misread out of context”. In a clarification, Varma stated, “AR Rahman is the greatest composer and nicest person I ever met. He’s the last person to take away anybody’s credit.” This sudden reversal has left many wondering what prompted Varma to make such a claim in the first place, and whether his clarification is genuine or just a damage control exercise.
It’s worth noting that Ram Gopal Varma has been known for his outspoken and often provocative statements in the past, which have sometimes landed him in controversy. However, in this case, his claim seemed particularly egregious, given the well-documented history of ‘Jai Ho’ and AR Rahman’s involvement in its composition. The fact that Varma has now backtracked on his statement suggests that he may have realized the gravity of his mistake, and is attempting to salvage his relationship with the respected composer.
The controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ has also sparked a larger debate about the importance of giving credit where it’s due in the entertainment industry. The success of a song or film is often the result of a collaborative effort, involving numerous talented individuals who work behind the scenes. It’s essential to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all those involved, rather than trying to undermine or diminish their achievements.
In the end, the controversy surrounding Ram Gopal Varma’s claim about ‘Jai Ho’ serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of accuracy and fairness in our discourse. While it’s possible to have differing opinions and perspectives, it’s essential to respect the facts and give credit where it’s due. As the dust settles on this controversy, one thing is clear – AR Rahman’s composition of ‘Jai Ho’ is an undeniable fact, and his contribution to the world of music is something to be cherished and celebrated.
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