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 a shocking statement, Varma claimed that the Oscar-winning song ‘Jai Ho’ from the movie Slumdog Millionaire was not composed by the legendary AR Rahman, but by singer Sukhwinder Singh. This statement sent shockwaves throughout the industry, with many coming out to defend Rahman’s credit for the iconic song.
The controversy began when an old clip of Varma surfaced, where he can be seen saying that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of ‘Jai Ho’. The clip quickly went viral, with many expressing their outrage and disappointment at Varma’s statement. However, soon after the clip resurfaced, Varma took to social media to clarify his stance, claiming that he was being “misquoted and misread out of context”.
In his 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 statement is a complete U-turn from his earlier claim, and it seems that Varma is trying to distance himself from the controversy. It’s worth noting that Varma has been known for his provocative statements in the past, and this incident is just another addition to his long list of controversies.
The song ‘Jai Ho’ is one of the most iconic and beloved songs in Indian cinema, and it’s hard to imagine anyone other than AR Rahman behind its composition. The song won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it’s widely regarded as one of Rahman’s best works. Sukhwinder Singh, on the other hand, is the singer who lent his voice to the song, and while he did an excellent job, it’s clear that the composition and music direction were handled by Rahman.
It’s not clear what prompted Varma to make such a statement, but it’s possible that he was trying to stir up controversy and gain attention. As a filmmaker, Varma has been known for his bold and unconventional approach to storytelling, but this incident has left many questioning his intentions and credibility.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the importance of giving credit where it’s due. In the world of Bollywood, it’s not uncommon for composers and musicians to go uncredited or underappreciated, despite their significant contributions to a film’s success. The case of ‘Jai Ho’ is a prime example of this, where the singer and composer are often mentioned together, but the actual composition and music direction are often overlooked.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Ram Gopal Varma’s statement about ‘Jai Ho’ has highlighted the importance of giving credit where it’s due. While Varma’s clarification has helped to diffuse the situation, it’s clear that the incident has left a sour taste in the mouths of many. As the Bollywood industry continues to evolve and grow, it’s essential that we recognize and appreciate the contributions of all artists, regardless of their role or position.
The incident has also sparked a renewed appreciation for AR Rahman’s work, with many taking to social media to praise his compositions and music direction. Rahman is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in Indian cinema, and his work on ‘Jai Ho’ is just one example of his genius. As we look back on the controversy surrounding Varma’s statement, it’s clear that Rahman’s legacy and credit for ‘Jai Ho’ remain intact.