For over three decades, AR Rahman has been a cultural ambassador of Indian pluralism. And yet, in today’s climate, that legacy seems disturbingly fragile.
Case arose when Padma Shri awardee Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar moved approached the court saying the song had been copied from his father and uncle’s composition, Shiva Stuti.
The court found a song in Mani Ratnam’s film identical to a classical composition by late musician duo Junior Dagar Brothers, directing the composer & Madras Talkies to pay up over Rs 2 cr.
The case, filed in 2023, alleged that AR Rahman’s ‘Veera Raja Veera’ was copied from ‘Shiva Stuti’, originally composed by Dhrupad maestro Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar's father and uncle.
Shehla Rashid described ‘Role Models’ as a self-help book consisting of a collection of autobiographical essays by achievers such as AR Rahman, Sania Mirza, and Nigar Shaji.
What really troubles me is the idea of an actor with British citizenship representing India at the UK’s national film awards ceremony, all while wearing an Italian designer.
Initial talks held on the possibility of India entering the programme that was started in 2017 between France, Germany and Spain to ensure European sovereignty in defence and security.
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