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 the iconic song ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire. In a shocking claim, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma stated that the Oscar-winning song was not composed by the legendary AR Rahman, but rather by singer Sukhwinder Singh. However, soon after the clip resurfaced, Varma was quick to backtrack, claiming that he was being misquoted and misread out of context.
For those who may not be familiar, ‘Jai Ho’ is a song that was featured in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, which was directed by Danny Boyle. The song was composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics by Gulzar and vocals by Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, and Mahalaxmi Iyer. The song won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making AR Rahman the first Indian to win an Oscar.
The controversy began when an old clip of Ram Gopal Varma surfaced, in which he claimed that Sukhwinder Singh was the actual composer of the song, and not AR Rahman. This statement sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, with many taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment. How could a respected filmmaker like Varma make such a claim, especially when the entire world knew that AR Rahman was the mastermind behind the song?
However, soon after the clip resurfaced, Varma took to social media to clarify his statement. He claimed that he was being misquoted and misread out of context, and that his words were being twisted to create controversy. “I’m being misquoted and misread out of context,” he said. “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 met with a mix of reactions, with some people accepting his explanation and others remaining skeptical.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time that Ram Gopal Varma has been embroiled in controversy. The filmmaker has a history of making provocative statements and stirring up debates, often to promote his own films or to stay in the limelight. However, in this case, it seems that Varma may have gone too far, and his claim about ‘Jai Ho’ has sparked a heated debate about the importance of giving credit where credit is due.
The controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ also raises questions about the role of composers and singers in Indian cinema. In India, the film industry is a complex and often chaotic world, where credits and accolades are not always given to the right people. There have been numerous instances where composers and singers have been denied their rightful credit, and this controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
In the end, it’s clear that AR Rahman is the mastermind behind ‘Jai Ho’, and his contribution to the song cannot be overstated. The song is a testament to his genius and creativity, and it’s a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and transcend borders. As for Ram Gopal Varma, it’s clear that he has a lot to learn about the importance of giving credit where credit is due, and about the dangers of making provocative statements without thinking through the consequences.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding ‘Jai Ho’ is a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the Indian film industry. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability, and the importance of giving credit where credit is due. As for AR Rahman, he remains one of the most respected and beloved composers in Indian cinema, and his music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.
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