AR Rahman Breaks Silence On Backlash Over Daughter Khatija's Hijab Photo, 'The Problem Is That I..'

Music maestro AR Rahman recently opened up about a longstanding controversy surrounding his daughter, Khatija Rahman’s choice to wear a hijab. The award-winning musician broke his silence on the backlash he received over the years for allegedly forcing his daughter to cover herself under the veil. Addressing these assumptions, Rahman clarified his side with his signature composure.

AR Rahman opens up on the hijab controversy

Speaking to Nayandeep Rakshit on his podcast, Rahman revisited the incident when a simple family photo featuring Khatija wearing a burqa at an event attracted significant online backlash. The controversy dates back to a photo a few years back, where Khatija was seen wearing a burqa and hijab. The rest of the family, including Rahman’s wife, Saira Banu and their other daughter, Raheema, did not have any naqab on. This led many to believe that Rahman forced Khatija to wear hijab, even labelling him a “hypocrite” for imposing the outfit on her. Addressing the backlash, Rahman said:

“The choice of living a public life is intentional; from a rich man to God himself, everyone gets reviewed. As long as we stay together and we are not conceited and we are not toxic to even the people saying stuff.”

In the podcast, AR Rahman also expressed admiration for his daughter’s ability to handle the situation with maturity. He shared that Khatija, who herself enjoys a significant fan following, is too strong and mature to fight with. He humorously added that Khatija often sends him two-page emails which only highlight her independence and eloquence. Rahman said:

“My daughter has her own fan following, and the problem is that I am not even qualified to fight with her. She will send me two-page emails that are very articulately written, and you just sit there and admire it. I think there should be a book named ‘My Letters to Dad’.”

Khatija Rahman addresses the backlash

As her photo with AR Rahman was blown out of proportion, Khatija took matters into her own hands. Taking to her social media, the singer clarified her stance, emphasising that the choice to wear the hijab was entirely hers. Addressing the assumption that her father had influenced her decision, Khatija wrote:

“The recent conversation of myself on stage with my dad has been doing the rounds, although I didn’t expect such an overwhelming response. However, there were certain comments which said that this attire is being forced by my dad and that he has double standards. I would like to say that the attire I wear or the choices I make in my life do not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice with complete acceptance and honour.”

AR Rahman addresses the public scrutiny after his separation from Saira Banu

In his chat with Nayandeep Rakshit, AR Rahman addressed the trolling he and Saira Banu faced after their separation. He stressed the importance of kindness, noting that personal remarks about someone's family often come back around. Choosing grace over anger, Rahman said he never retaliates — instead, he simply prays and asks God to forgive those who pass harsh judgments.

What do you think about AR Rahman’s revelations about Katija’s hijab controversy?

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