Taslima Nasrin, the fearless secularist, has taken aim at AR Rahman in a no-holds-barred social media post. Reacting to the ace musician’s take on religious coexistence, she snapped, ‘Such statements do not become you,’ sparking widespread buzz.
The trigger? Rahman’s address where he urged mutual respect among faiths, comments some interpreted as soft-pedaling on militancy. Nasrin, battle-hardened from years of controversy, labeled it misguided. ‘From someone of your stature, this disappoints,’ she posted, eliciting thousands of reactions.
Delving deeper, Nasrin referenced her personal battles against bigotry, implying Rahman’s privilege blinds him to ground realities. The exchange has polarized opinions, with Rahman’s admirers decrying ‘unfair piling on’ and Nasrin’s base cheering her candor.
In the larger context, this tussle highlights fractures within progressive circles. Rahman’s career, marked by hits like ‘Jai Ho,’ has always blended spirituality with art. Yet, Nasrin challenges whether such blending excuses evasive rhetoric.
As Twitter timelines explode, the incident prompts reflection on free speech limits for icons. No word yet from Rahman’s camp, but the conversation has elevated Nasrin’s profile anew. Ultimately, it serves as a stark reminder: in India’s complex cultural mosaic, every note and word carries weight.