At an event to mark 10 years of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’s Oscar win, Bollywood Music Maestro AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija wore a Niqaab over a saree and sang the song on stage with her father. Her dressing received lots of criticism and was labelled as “Conservative”. However, not one to take it lightly or let it go, Rahman chose to speak up for his daughter and defend her right to choose.
The Music Maestro shared a photo on his twitter account where the three ladies of his family are dressed differently, his youngest daughter Raheema and wife Sairaa are not veiled, whereas Khadeeja is seen in a Hijaab. A R Rahman tweeted the photo with the caption, “The precious ladies of my family Khatija, Raheema and Sairaa with Nita Ambaniji #freedomtochoose.” The caption is clearly defending his daughter’s right of dressing herself as carrying oneself is everyone’s own personal choice.
The precious ladies of my family Khatija ,Raheema and Sairaa with NitaAmbaniji #freedomtochoose pic.twitter.com/H2DZePYOtA
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) February 6, 2019
Moreover,Khatija after the event, wrote a long post in support of her father on Facebook clarifying the fact that she was never been forced by her father and observing Hijaab is her own choice. Her words are, “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 does not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice with complete acceptance and honour. I’m a sane mature adult who knows to make my choices in life. Any human being has a choice to wear or do what he/she wants and that’s what I’ve been doing. Hence, kindly don’t make your own judgements without understanding the exact situation. #freedomofchoice”.
