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 singer Sukhwinder Singh, not the legendary AR Rahman, composed the Oscar-winning song ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. However, soon after the clip went viral, Varma was quick to backtrack, stating that he was being “misquoted and misread out of context.”
For those who may not be aware, ‘Jai Ho’ is a iconic song that won several accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The song was written by Gulzar, composed by AR Rahman, and sung by Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, and Mahalaxmi Iyer. It’s a testament to the talent and hard work of the entire team that worked on the song, and it’s widely regarded as one of the most iconic songs in the history of Indian cinema.
However, in the clip that resurfaced, Varma can be seen saying that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of the song, and not AR Rahman. This claim sparked a huge controversy, with many fans and music lovers taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment. AR Rahman is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Indian music, and to suggest that he didn’t compose ‘Jai Ho’ was seen as a blatant attempt to undermine his contributions to the song.
But soon after the clip went viral, Varma took to social media to clarify his stance. “I’m being misquoted and misread out of context,” he wrote. “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 was seen as a attempt to diffuse the controversy, and it’s likely that he realized that his earlier statement had caused a lot of hurt and anger among fans of AR Rahman and ‘Jai Ho’.
It’s worth noting that Varma has been known to be a provocative and outspoken figure in the Indian film industry. He’s never been afraid to speak his mind and express his opinions, even if they’re unpopular or controversial. However, in this case, it seems that he may have gone too far, and his attempts to backtrack and clarify his stance may be seen as a damage control exercise.
The controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ and AR Rahman is a reminder of the power of social media and the importance of being careful with one’s words. In today’s digital age, a single statement or clip can go viral in a matter of minutes, and it’s easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. However, it’s also important to remember that words have consequences, and it’s always better to think before speaking, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like art and creativity.
In the end, the controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ and AR Rahman is a reminder of the enduring power of music and the importance of giving credit where credit is due. ‘Jai Ho’ is a song that has inspired millions of people around the world, and it’s a testament to the talent and hard work of the entire team that worked on it. Whether or not Ram Gopal Varma’s claims are true or not, one thing is certain – ‘Jai Ho’ will always be remembered as a iconic song that brought India to the forefront of the global music scene.