RGV backtracks after claiming AR Rahman didn’t compose ‘Jai Ho’
The world of Bollywood is known for its dramatic twists and turns, and the latest controversy to hit the headlines is a prime example of this. Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently found himself at the center of a storm after an old clip resurfaced, showing him 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. 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 one of the most iconic and award-winning songs in Indian cinema history. Composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar and sung by A.R. Rahman, Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, and Mahalakshmi Iyer, the song won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2009. The song’s success was a milestone moment for Indian music, and it cemented AR Rahman’s position as one of the country’s most talented and respected composers.
The controversy began when an old clip of Ram Gopal Varma surfaced, showing him making the shocking claim that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of ‘Jai Ho’, and not AR Rahman. The clip quickly went viral, with many fans and industry insiders expressing their outrage and disappointment at Varma’s statement. However, it didn’t take long for Varma to realize the gravity of his mistake, and he soon took to social media to clarify his position.
In a statement, Varma claimed that he was being “misquoted and misread out of context”, and that his original statement was not meant to be taken literally. He also went on to praise AR Rahman, calling him the “greatest composer and nicest person” he had ever met, and stating that Rahman was the last person to take away anybody’s credit. Varma’s clarification was seen as a desperate attempt to damage control, and it’s likely that the filmmaker was trying to avoid any further backlash from the music industry and fans of AR Rahman.
The question on everyone’s mind is, why would Ram Gopal Varma make such a statement in the first place? Was it a publicity stunt gone wrong, or was he genuinely trying to spark a controversy? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Varma’s statement was not well thought out, and it has ended up causing more harm than good to his reputation.
The incident also raises questions about the credibility of statements made by public figures, and how they can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. In today’s digital age, where information can spread like wildfire, it’s more important than ever for celebrities and public figures to be mindful of their words and actions.
In the end, it’s clear that AR Rahman is the true mastermind behind the iconic song ‘Jai Ho’, and his contribution to Indian music is undeniable. The song’s success is a testament to Rahman’s talent and hard work, and it’s a shame that the controversy surrounding Ram Gopal Varma’s statement has taken away from the song’s true legacy.
As the dust settles on this controversy, it’s likely that Ram Gopal Varma will emerge with a tarnished reputation, while AR Rahman will continue to be celebrated as one of India’s most beloved and respected composers. The incident serves as a reminder that in the world of Bollywood, where drama and controversy are always lurking around the corner, it’s essential to be mindful of one’s words and actions, and to always give credit where credit is due.
About the Author
