AR Rahman tweets image of her veiled daughter with the hashtag ‘Freedom to Choose’ after facing trolls




A R Rahman with his daughter Khatija on stage in the event (Photo Credit: Facebook)

Music sensation and Oscar winner for Slumdog Millionaire A R Rahman on Thursday shared a photo on his Twitter account, with the caption, “The precious ladies of my family Khatija, Raheema and Sairaa with Nita Ambaniji #freedomtochoose.”

The tweet comes after the music maestro faced criticism for daughter Khatija wearing a naqab (veil) during an event to mark 10 years of Slumdog Millionaire’s Oscar win.

At the celebratory event, Rahman’s daughter Khatija was invited to interview him on stage. Khatija, who has sung for her father in Enthiran, came clad in a saree with her face covered in a naqab. This led to many calling out her ‘conservative’ dressing.

AR Rahman gave it back to the trolls by tweeting a photo where the three women of his family are dressed differently. While his youngest daughter Raheema and wife Sairaa are not veiled, Khatija is seen in a naqab. Through the caption, he suggests what one wears is their personal choice.

Khatija Rahman also shared a post after his father got trolled following the event.

On the occasion, Khatija became emotional and appreciated her father’s attitude and generosity in life.

Speaking at the event, Khatija said, “Though the world knows you for your music and the award that you won, I have immense love and respect for you because of the values they taught us (three of his children). Your humility matters the most for me. Not an atom of your character has changed ever since you won the Oscar, nothing has changed in you in the last 10 years except the time you spend with us has reduced. I think you are making it up now by taking us on short trips!”

Khatija also spoke about her father’s helping tendency. “I am deeply inspired by your generosity. There are a lot of things (social work) that you do and people, even I do not get to know about it. This is something that I value the most about my father,” she shared.

At the event, Khatija asked her father to share a few words of wisdom for his kids. Rahman took a pause and said, “I do not give advice to people really. When all three of you were growing up, I made sure that I teach you everything that my mother taught me when I was growing up. Now, it is time you have to follow your heart and instinct pray to God and He will guide you. I think your conscience is the best thing to guide you in life.”

The 10-year celebration of Slumdog Millionaire was attended by actor Anil Kapoor, lyricist Gulzar, singers Sukhwinder Singh, Ila Arun, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash.

The popular “Jai Ho” song would not have won the prestigious Oscar without the contribution of music maestro A R Rahman who changed the face and form of Indian film songs, veteran poet-lyricist Gulzar said on 01 February (Friday).

Composed by AR Rahman for the 2009 film Slumdog Millionaire, “Jai Ho” is the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Best Original Song categories.

Liked it? Take a second to support The TMC Desk on Patreon!