AR Rahman breaks silence on facing backlash over daughter Khatija's hijab photo: 'I am not qualified enough to argue with her'

Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman recently opened up about a long-standing controversy involving his daughter, Khatija Rahman. During a recent conversation, Rahman revisited the incident that once attracted widespread social media scrutiny—an old family photo featuring his daughter in a hijab.

Speaking on Nayandeep Rakshit’s podcast, Rahman discussed the picture in which Khatija was wearing a burqa at an event, while Rahman’s wife and other daughter, Raheema, were dressed differently. The image stirred up debate online, with many suggesting that the musician might have compelled her to wear it. Some fans even labelled him a “hypocrite” for allegedly imposing the outfit on her. Despite the assumptions, both Rahman and Khatija stood their ground and addressed the backlash with clarity and composure.

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Rahman about Khatija's beliefs

Rahman praised his daughter for handling the negative attention with maturity. He reflected on the double-edged nature of being in the public eye and went on to share a personal anecdote, highlighting how self-assured Khatija is in her beliefs and communication. “My daughter has her own fan following, and the problem is that I am not even qualified to argue with her. She will send me two-page emails that are very articulately written, and you just sit there and admire it. I think there should be a book named ‘My Letters to Dad’,” he said with a proud smile.

Khatija's Reaction

Khatija had also issued a public statement at the time of the controversy. She clarified that it was her choice to wear the outfit. “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 do not have anything to do with my parents. The veil has been my personal choice, with complete acceptance and honour.”

Rahman's family

Rahman recently ended his marriage with Saira Banu through a heartbreaking post on social media. The couple had been married since 1995 and decided to part ways last year, after almost three decades together. They have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.