Mumbai: Oscar winning composer AR Rahman has been making headlines after his recent interview sparked a major controversy. Rahman stated that over the last eight years, he has been getting less work in Bollywood and suggested that one possible reason could be the industry becoming more communal. He also described the forthcoming historical film Chhaava as a divisive film, despite the fact that he claimed to feel honoured to compose music on a story that revolved around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
These remarks did not go down well with a section of social media users, leading to sharp criticism and online backlash. As the debate intensified, Rahman released a video clarification explaining his views and intent. A number of film and music industry celebrities also appeared in his defence, claiming that his words were being misinterpreted.
Ram Gopal Varma’s Old ‘Jai Ho’ Claim Resurfaces
In the middle of this ongoing discussion, an old interview of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has suddenly gone viral on the internet. AR Rahman had collaborated with RGV in the legendary film Rangeela, and in the clip, the producer went on an outrageous claim about the Oscar winning song Jai Ho in Slumdog Millionaire. Varma claims that Rahman did not compose the song but the singer, Sukhwinder Singh.
Retelling a situation that happened during the time that A R Rahman was collaborating in the film Yuvraj directed by Subhash Ghai, RGV claimed that Rahman was a chronic delaying person, a factor that irritated the producers and directors. He recalled that Subhash Ghai was under pressure as he had actors’ dates, sets ready, and no songs yet. Ghai reportedly sent a harsh message to Rahman, who was in London at the time.
RGV claimed that AR Rahman then asked Subhash Ghai to come to Sukhwinder Singh’s studio in Mumbai, saying he would arrive there and sing the song. When Ghai reached the studio, Rahman was still travelling, while Sukhwinder was already working on a tune. In the presence of Ghai, Rahman is said to have questioned Sukhwinder whether he had written a song. Upon listening to it, Rahman replied that he liked it and wanted Ghai to tell him what he thought about it.
This reportedly angered Subhash Ghai, who questioned why he was paying AR Rahman a huge fee if someone else was composing the music. RGV records that Rahman responded with a calmness that he was being paid his name rather than physically writing all the notes. He informed Ghai that anyone could get music, but what he was selling was his name and his vision of music. Rahman then left for Chennai.
RGV further claimed that later, AR Rahman asked Sukhwinder to complete the song and email it to him. Approximately one year later, Sukhwinder was allegedly given a cheque of 5 lakh by the manager of Rahman, who informed him that the song was sold to an international project. Varma says that that song later became the Jai Ho of Slumdog Millionaire.
Sukhwinder Singh’s Denial And Clarification
However, these claims were strongly denied by Sukhwinder Singh himself. In an earlier interview with Hindustan Times, Sukhwinder clarified that he had only sung Jai Ho and not composed it. He informed that Ram Gopal Varma is a reputed filmmaker, however, he might have misinterpreted certain facts of the event. Sukhwinder insisted that AR Rahman deserved the credit of composing the songs.
Despite the denial, the resurfaced clip has added fuel to the fire at a time when Rahman is already facing intense public scrutiny.
RGV On Working With A R Rahman
In more recent conversations, Ram Gopal Varma has spoken at length about his complex but memorable working relationship with AR Rahman. Although he has been outspoken to acknowledge the fact that the working style of Rahman can push a filmmaker to a point where only patience would help one overcome it, he has also learned to accept the genius of this composer.
RGV described AR Rahman as a creative force who works entirely on his own terms, without following fixed schedules or predictable routines. He says it makes it stressful to filmmakers who are waiting to get music, and the final result is usually something extraordinary and timeless.
As debates continue around Rahman’s recent remarks, this old story has once again highlighted the mystery, brilliance, and controversies that often surround great creative minds. A R Rahman is one of the biggest figures in Indian and international music whether one likes him or not.
Also Read | AR Rahman Breaks Silence on ‘Communal’ Remark, Reaffirms Faith in India and Music
