AR Rahman reflects on daughter Khatija choosing to wear hijaab that led to controversy: ‘I am not qualified enough to fight with her’

“My daughter has her own fan following, and the problem is that I am not even qualified to fight 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'”.

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To give some context, Rahman’s daughter Khatija appeared in a photo at an event. People on the internet pointed out that Khatija was the only one wearing a burqa among Rahman’s wife and other daughter Raheema. Rahman was targeted by the audiences on the internet who called him a ‘hypocrite’ for making his daughter wear a niqab.

Khatija came to her father’s defence on the internet and said, “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. (sic)”

She mentioned that she is a ‘sane and mature adult,’ who can take her own decisions and would like for people to stop making assumptions. Rahman was again the centre of attention a few months back, after his divorce with wife Saira Banu.