'Freedom to choose': AR Rahman responds to criticism on daughter Khatija's niqaab

A video of Khatija wearing the niqaab and interacting with her father at an event had sparked criticism on social media.

Flix Kollywood

AR Rahman's daughter Khatija recently shared the stage with her father during an event to celebrate 10 years of Slumdog Millionaire. The music for the film fetched the composer two Academy awards.

However, AR Rahman soon came under criticism on social media because his daughter had her face covered, in niqaab style. Several users commented that they had not expected his daughter to be dressed so conservatively, assuming that he had forced her to follow such a dressing style.

Addressing the controversy, AR Rahman on Thursday tweeted a photograph from his handle that has his two daughters as well as wife, posing along with Nita Ambani. The hashtag accompanying the picture says #freedomtochoose. While Khatija in the picture is in niqaab in this picture as well, her sister Raheema and mother Sairaa are not veiled.

The precious ladies of my family Khatija ,Raheema and Sairaa with NitaAmbaniji #freedomtochoose pic.twitter.com/H2DZePYOtA — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) February 6, 2019

Khatija has also reportedly clarified that she was not forced by anyone to wear the veil. In a screenshot doing the rounds on Twitter which is supposedly from her private Instagram account, Khatija has said that the veil has nothing to do with her parents.

"The veil has been my choice with complete acceptance and honour. I'm a sane mature adult who knows to make my choices in life," she has said.

She's added that everybody has the right to dress according to their choice and that she has been doing the same. Khatija has also asked that people should not make a judgement without understanding the situation.

AR Rahman has three children - Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. Khatija has also sung for her father in Enthiran.