AR Rahman's Chennai concert fiasco: Daughters Raheema, Khatija defend composer, call out 'cheap politics'

In an unfortunate turn of events for Oscar-winning maestro AR Rahman, he 'apologised and promised to fix' what happened at the latest Chennai-based musical concert titled 'Marakkuma Nenjam'. Even two days after the uneventful day, which turned out to be a nightmare for fans on Sunday, people continue to point fingers at ACTC Events, the event management company and the singer on X for 'overbooking' and 'not allowing them to enter the show despite having a valid ticket'. Now, in latest developments, AR Rahman's two daughters - Raheema Rahman and Khatija Rahman - have come forward to defend their father.

AR Rahman's daughters AR Rahman's daughters shared an infographic about the composer's previous performances, with an intention to target those who complained that Rahman 'pulled a scam' through the concert. The infographic vividly described his previous concerts held in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 for flood victims, helping COVID-affected families and others, and how their proceeds were donated to charitable organisations.

The post, which voiced against the 'cheap politics', also mentioned a text which read, 'think before you speak'. The Instagram stories were shared by Rahman's daughters Raheema and Khatija soon after the six-time National Award winner himself issued a statement online.As AR Rahman's Chennai concert was slammed for poor management and many who had valid tickets poked at the singer on social media to explain their ordeal, the composer promised to compensate those who couldn't enter the venue despite having valid tickets. He captioned the post, "Let me be the sacrificial goat this time for all of us to wake up."

About Marakkuma Nenjam

On Sunday, 10 September, AR Rahman performed live on the grounds of Adityaram Palace in Chennai for over 45,000 attendees. Poor management by ACTC Events led to overcrowding with many ticket holders denied entry inside.

Not just this, the stampede-like situation led to women, children and the elderly complaining about their safety.

Following this, Tambaram Police began investigating overcrowding and chaotic traffic. Rahman and the event management company have promised to makeup for the trouble caused.

Work Front

Work-wise, AR Rahman is set to compose music for Kamal Hassan’s next, a Mani Ratnam directorial. While Rahman’s '99 Songs' - a musical release - opened to mixed responses, his virtual reality thriller Le Musk is yet to hit Indian screens.

A two-time Oscar winner, Rahman has worked in Hollywood productions along with an impressive legacy of work across languages in Indian movies.

The recently held Marakkuma Nenjam concert was part of the six-time National Award winner's twin events in Chennai and Coimbatore. The previous concert took place in Chennai on 12 August.