Panaji/ Nagpur: Though various controversial statements have been made by ‘publicity-mongers’ on the fabricated state of ‘intolerance’, the country still remains united and will remain united, save the habitual ‘bakwasbaazi’ by disturbing elements. This truth has been loudly just harped by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Malaysia that “India is a country wherein all live with love and mutual adjustment.” And while several artistes and Bollywood star still harp on India’s unbeatable capacity of tolerance, internationally acclaimed music composer AR Rahman rightly adds that the way the country is protesting against growing intolerance in the country is “poetic” as it is non-violent in nature.
The Oscar and Grammy winner feels any kind of revolt is welcome but it should be classy and people should not go out and hit one another.
Speaking at NFDC’s Film Bazaar at the 46th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) at Panaji, Rahman said he too had faced intolerance: “I had gone through something similar a couple of months ago.” But, he did not clearly point out how he feels now.
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Wednesday 15 Jan. 2025
“Nothing should be violent. We’re all ultra-civilized people and we should show the world that we are the best civilization,” the composer added.
Returning of awards in protest is ‘poetic’
On artists returning their awards in protest against “rising intolerance”, Rahman said, “Everything should be done classily. I feel what people are doing is very poetic. We should set an example for the world because we come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi; he has shown how a revolution can have an impact without any violence.”
When asked if Muslims are unsafe in the country, he said, “I am not in the state of mind to answer this question.”
Rahman also welcomed music maestro Ilaiyaraaja’s suggestion to the government that music should be made compulsory in schools, saying it helps people to become more compassionate.
“I support him (Ilaiyaraaja) that’s what has been my theory of life. If a person knows music, it goes into the soul and triggers empathy and that’s very important. The person becomes compassionate.”
When asked about Aamir Khan’s comments, Rahman said, “Don’t pull me into trouble.”
