AR Rahman reacts to daughter Khatija’s burqa controversy: She finds freedom in wearing one
Writer Taslima Nasreen stated that she feels suffocated to see AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija wearing a burqa.
Writer Taslima Nasreen put out a vicious tweet about feeling suffocated seeing AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija wearing a burqa. Days after the controversy, the Oscar award-winning composer has reacted to Taslima’s tweet.
In an interview to The Quint, AR Rahman has opened up about the burqa controversy. Stating that he doesn’t react to such comments, he elaborated, “I think what’s good is if we bring them up in a way that they (children) know our troubles, they know our problems. They know that they have to inherit the good and the bad from us. That’s it. And then, they are given free will and she did it and then I asked her, What about the next question? Did you answer that?’ (She said) that’s it daddy, I am done.”
When asked if she had discussed it with the family before putting out her reply, he said, “No, I think she put it out and then I put it out on Instagram. I thought it was needed because she is behind the veil and it’s her choice.”
AR Rahman also added that Khatija finds her freedom in wearing a burqa. “More than the religious thing I think, I personally think it is a psychological thing. Because she sang a song (titled Ahimsa) and around 10 million people were having it as their ringtone. If you take a little kid who is an introvert and suddenly people are spamming them with good and bad, anybody would shut off,” he explained.
The composer also stated that he would wear a burqa too if he’s given a chance to do so. “A male is not supposed to wear a burqa, otherwise I will wear one. It would be so easy to go and shop, find steady life. You know, I think, she finds her freedom. Because she is somebody who will go for a funeral of a maid’s mother or maid’s relative. And I get awestruck with her simplicity and what she does socially,” remarked Rahman.
Taslima Nasreen faced severe backlash for her tweet. She wrote, “I absolutely love AR Rahman’s music. But whenever I see his dear daughter, I feel suffocated. It is really depressing to learn that even educated women in a cultural family can get brainwashed very easily! (sic)”
Khatija gave a fitting reply to her saying, “Dear Taslima Nasreen, I’m sorry you feel suffocated by my attire. Please get some fresh air, cause I don’t feel suffocated rather I’m proud and empowered for what I stand for. I suggest you google up what true feminism means because it isn’t bashing other women down nor bringing their fathers into the issue. I also don’t recall sending my photos to you for your perusal (sic)”
