Anuradha Paudwal Backs AR Rahman: 'He Is Beyond All This Controversy'
Paudwal calls Rahman saintly and says his career is unaffected by the row.
Veteran playback singer Anuradha Paudwal has come out in support of music composer AR Rahman amid controversy surrounding his alleged “communal” remark, describing the Oscar-winning musician as a “saintly person” and asserting that his career remains beyond such disputes.
Speaking to ANI, Paudwal said her understanding of Rahman comes primarily through his body of work rather than personal acquaintance. “From what I know of AR Rahman is through his music. I have never met him personally, but his music tells that he is a very saintly person,” she said, expressing admiration for his artistic contributions.
Addressing the broader controversy, Paudwal suggested that media interviews can sometimes be framed in a way that provokes specific responses. “I have been in the industry, and I have seen that when any artist, not only AR Rahman, but when any artist sits for an interview, the interviewer usually likes to frame questions in such a way as to incite their desired response. The media and the channels don't like straight interviews. Because they want something else,” she remarked.
Also Read: AR Rahman: "When You Explain, They Won't Listen" After Communal Row
The singer emphasised that Rahman’s decades-long contribution to Indian and global music places him above such debates. “AR Rahman has given us the greatest of numbers, and he is beyond all this. He has achieved so much. He is not at that stage where anybody can influence his career. That's what I feel as a senior artist—he has done wonders with his songs. There is no meaning in it,” she added.
The controversy arose after Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, stated that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this shift to changes within the industry over the past eight years. His comments triggered reactions across social media and the film fraternity, with personalities such as Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal, Ranvir Shorey, Subhash Ghai and Shobhaa De weighing in.
As the debate continues, Paudwal’s remarks reflect a section of the industry that views Rahman’s legacy and achievements as resilient in the face of public controversy, underscoring his longstanding stature in Indian and international music.
Also Read: AR Rahman Praises Arijit Singh as Recklessly Cool Musician Working From Village
