Ram Gopal Varma's U-Turn: Why He Now Calls AR Rahman the 'Nicest Human'

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has walked back his earlier claims about AR Rahman stealing credit for the Oscar-winning song "Jai Ho." He took to social media to state he was misquoted and taken out of context in a viral interview clip. Varma now praises Rahman as the "greatest composer" and "nicest human being" he has ever met. This clarification comes amid ongoing debates about Rahman's recent comments on the Hindi film industry's "power shift."

Key Points: Ram Gopal Varma Clarifies AR Rahman Jai Ho Credit Controversy

  • Varma clarifies he was misquoted in a viral interview about the 'Jai Ho' song credit
  • He asserts Rahman is the last person to take away anybody's creative credit
  • The controversy stemmed from an old clip where Varma alleged Sukhwinder Singh composed the tune
  • Rahman recently faced separate controversy over remarks about 'communal' politics in Bollywood
2 min read

After alleging AR Rahman of stealing Jai Ho, Ram Gopal Varma calls him as the 'nicest human being'

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma retracts his viral claim about AR Rahman stealing 'Jai Ho' credit, calling the composer the "nicest human being" after being misquoted.

After alleging AR Rahman of stealing Jai Ho, Ram Gopal Varma calls him as the 'nicest human being'
"In my view, @arrahman is the greatest composer and the nicest human being I ever met. - Ram Gopal Varma"

Mumbai, Jan 21

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, after alleging music composer AR Rahman of stealing Sukhvinder Singh's credit for Jai Ho, has called music maestro as the “nicest human being.”

Referring to the ongoing debate, Varma took to X on Tuesday to highlight that he was misquoted in the interview. Further clarifying his stand, Varma wrote, "To all concerned... I am being misquoted and misread out of context in the matter of the Jai Ho song... in my view. @arrahman is the greatest composer and the nicest human being I ever met and he's the last person to take away anybody's credit... I hope this puts an end to the negativism surrounding the issue."

AR Rahman has been stirring headlines ever since he stated that his work in the Hindi film industry has slowed down over the last eight years, blaming "power shift" and "communal" politics in the entertainment industry.

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, in an old interview that resurfaced over internet and went viral, was heard claiming that AR Rahman was not the original brain behind the Oscar winning song Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, and that it originally was composed singer **Sukhwinder Singh.

In the old interview clip, Varma was heard narrated an incident linked to the film Yuvraj starring Salman Khan. He claimed that Rahman had sourced the tune from Sukhwinder Singh during a studio session and later sold the song, which eventually became *

Jai Ho. Varma further alleged that Sukhwinder was paid Rs. 5 lakh as a compensation later through Rahman's management.

Talking about Rahman's controversy over his "communal" remark, the music composer had shared a video message on his social media account clarifying that he never intended to hurt sentiments and expressed regret if his words had caused pain to anybody.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Rahman is a legend and his contribution to Indian music is beyond question. But honestly, the whole 'communal politics' remark was unnecessary. The industry has given him so much love. Sometimes it's better to focus on the music.
R
Rohit P
Jai Ho will always be an iconic song that made India proud on a global stage. Whether the tune originated with Sukhwinder Singh or not, Rahman's production and arrangement made it magical. Collaboration is key in music!
S
Sarah B
As an outsider looking in, it's fascinating how much respect AR Rahman commands. The way he handled both controversies—RGV's allegations and his own remarks—with grace and apology shows true character.
K
Karthik V
This is why we shouldn't trust viral clips out of context. RGV has clarified, and we should accept it. The man gave us "Roja" and "Dil Se" – his legacy is secure. Bas, no more negativity please!
N
Nisha Z
The real issue is the 'power shift' Rahman mentioned. The Hindi film music scene has changed so much. We need to create space for all kinds of talent, regardless of background. His music transcends all barriers. ❤️

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