### Standing by Dad: AR Rahman's Daughters Fire Back Amid Bollywood Storm! **Imagine the world's most celebrated composer facing a tidal wave of online hate – and his own daughters stepping up like warriors.** That's the heart-pounding reality unfolding with AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning genius behind *Slumdog Millionaire*, as his family rallies against what they're calling outright "character assassination."[1][2][7] It all kicked off in a candid BBC Asian Network interview where Rahman opened up about a frustrating shift in Bollywood. Over the last eight years, he's noticed fewer opportunities coming his way, blaming it on "shifting power dynamics" where non-creatives now call the shots. He even hinted at a possible **"communal thing"** – not something blatant, but whispers of bias against non-Maharashtrian or Tamil artists like himself, picked up through industry "Chinese whispers."[1][4][5] Rahman clarified he wasn't pointing fingers directly, and he doubled down on his critique of films like *Chhaava* for leaning into divisiveness.[4] The internet exploded. What started as debate spiraled into brutal personal attacks – mocking his faith, calling him a "disgrace," and dismissing his experiences as a "victim card." It got so intense that Rahman dropped a heartfelt Instagram video on Sunday: "India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home... I have never wished to cause pain."[1][5] But the real emotional punch? His daughters, **Khatija and Raheema Rahman**, jumping into the fray with fierce loyalty.[2][3][7] The sisters reposted a powerful note from Malayalam composer Kailas Menon on Instagram, titled **"Disagree, don't disgrace."** Menon nailed it: "You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience. Criticism is fine, but outrage without respect says more about us than about him." He slammed the backlash as "abuse and character assassination," not legit critique.[1][2][5] Khatija amped it up with clapping 👏, fire 🔥, hundred 💯, and heart ❤️ emojis, while Raheema quietly reshared to show family unity. (Rahman's son, AR Ameen, has stayed silent so far.)[2][3] Khatija even shared a touching prayer-like note: "Dear God, bless my friends who checked in on me without wanting anything in return," hinting at the personal toll amid the chaos.[3] This isn't just celebrity drama – it's a raw reminder of how public figures' families get dragged into the fray, sparking bigger talks on free speech, respect, and industry biases in Bollywood.[3]
Image: United family standing strong (Unsplash free stock photo)
Citations
1.https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/ar-rahmans-daughters-khatija-and-raheema-defend-him-amid-backlash-and-character-assassination-1.500413020
2.https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ar-rahmans-daughters-break-silence-as-character-assassination-over-communal-remarks-intensifies-disagree-dont-disgrace-10482105/
3.https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/ar-rahman-s-daughters-khatija-and-raheema-stand-by-their-father-amid-communal-bias-backlash-say-disagreement-is-fine-abuse-is-not-article-13779462.html
4.https://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/disagree-dont-disgrace-ar-rahmans-daughters-break-silence-after-backlash-over-his-communal-comments-malayalam-composer-defends-him/articleshow/126671009.cms
5.https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ar-rahmans-daughters-defend-him-over-communal-remark-disagree-dont-disgrace-10783145
6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRHDcChJI1k
7.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ar-rahmans-daughters-react-to-his-communal-remark-controversy-as-malayalam-composer-comes-out-in-his-support-you-can-disagree-with-him-but-cant-deny-him-/articleshow/126685995.cms
8.https://www.siasat.com/after-remarks-controversy-ar-rahmans-daughters-speak-out-3328389/
9.
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