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Anuradha Paudwal Defends AR Rahman, Says He's Beyond Career Influence

Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal has publicly defended music composer AR Rahman amidst controversy over his recent remarks. She praised Rahman as a "saintly person" whose music speaks for his character, while criticizing media interview tactics designed to provoke responses. Paudwal asserted that Rahman's monumental achievements place him beyond any external influence on his career. The controversy originated from Rahman's BBC interview where he discussed changes in the Hindi film industry over eight years.

Key Points: Anuradha Paudwal Backs AR Rahman Amid Controversy

  • Paudwal calls Rahman a saintly person
  • Criticizes media for provocative questioning
  • Says Rahman is beyond career influence
  • Controversy stemmed from BBC interview
2 min read

"He is not at that stage where anybody can influence his career": 'Nazar Ke Samne' singer Anuradha Paudwal backs AR Rahman

Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal defends AR Rahman against 'communal' remark controversy, calling him a saintly person beyond influence.

"He is not at that stage where anybody can influence his career. - Anuradha Paudwal"

Mumbai, February 12

Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding music composer AR Rahman's alleged "communal" remark, calling the latter a "saintly person."

Speaking to ANI, Anuradha Paudwal backed the Oscar-winning composer. She shared, "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."

In response to media reports about Rahman's communal comments, Paudwal highlighted how media questions are tweaked in a manner to evoke provocative answers.

"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 to incite their desired response. The media, the channels, they don't like straight interviews. Because they want something else," she said.

The 'Nazar Ke Samne' singer maintained that Rahman has delivered countless tracks to the music industry.

"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.

Paudwal's reaction came in the wake of the controversy that erupted after Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, said that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this to changes in the industry over the past eight years.

After that interview, reactions came from both fans and distinguished personalities, including the likes of Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal, Ranvir Shorey, Subhash Ghai, and Shobhaa De among others.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
I agree that media often twists words. But as a public figure, one must also be very careful with statements. It's a two-way street. However, Rahman's contribution to Indian music is undeniable.
R
Rohit P
True that! He's reached a level where his work speaks for itself. "Jai Ho" and "Vande Mataram" are anthems for the whole country. We should celebrate our artists instead of pulling them down.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective from a veteran. The media sensationalism is a global issue. Good to see senior artists supporting each other against manufactured controversies.
P
Priya S
She has a point about interviewers framing questions to get a spicy soundbite. It happens all the time. We, the audience, need to be more discerning and not jump to conclusions based on headlines.
K
Karthik V
Respect to Anuradha Paudwal for speaking up. In today's climate, it takes courage. AR Rahman's music has been the soundtrack of my life, from "Roja" to "Rockstar". That's his real legacy, not some out-of-context quote.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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