UAE's first female filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja defends AR Rahman: National treasure

Nayla Al Khaja, UAE's first female filmmaker, has backed singer-composer AR Rahman, amid the controversy around his remarks about the Indian film industry. He had claimed to be facing a lack of work due to a shift in industry power and possible communal bias.

Rahman's comments received mixed reactions from fans and celebrities. Al Khaja has now supported him in her Instagram post, expressing her admiration towards his professionalism and humility. She captioned, "What I share comes from lived moments, not opinion, not distance. There was a swarm of people waiting, and yet every few minutes he stopped. Again and again, a gentle smile, a photograph, a quiet kindness. I watched, mind boggled, as he made every single person feel seen (sic)."

"I also witnessed the immense love his children have



for him, a deep, natural affection that cannot be performed. When you see that kind of love, you understand the man. Perhaps this is what happens when you are a legend, you become easy to project onto, and harder to protect. He gave voices to so many, opened doors, and carried culture with dignity. As an Arab, I came to know Indian music through him, emotion without translation. This man is a national treasure. Treasures deserve respect, not noise (sic)," the filmmaker added.

"Let us choose grace over outrage, respect over distortion. Love above hate. Thank you for giving me a break and for trusting my vision. Above all, thank you for being a great role model, a rare and sincere human being whose grace travels far beyond the room, bringing quiet joy to millions across the world (sic)," Nayla concluded.