Renowned composer A.R. Rahman has found himself at the centre of a heated debate after his recent collaboration with choreographer Jani Bashar, who is accused of sexual harassment and offences under the POCSO Act. The controversy began when a photo of the duo surfaced on social media, quickly going viral and igniting a firestorm of criticism.
According to reports from Indian media, the dispute dates back to 2019 when Rahman’s song “Chikiri Chikiri” from the film Peddi featured music by the Oscar-winning composer. However, the choreography for the song was handled by Bashar, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.
Bashar took to his social media to express his excitement about working with Rahman, sharing a photo of them together. In his post, he wrote, “I grew up listening to his music. Today, I get to choreograph for a song composed by him. This is a dream come true for me.” The post went viral almost immediately, stirring up a storm of controversy online.
As the backlash surrounding Rahman’s new project gained momentum, many questioned whether collaborating with such a controversial figure was the right decision. This has sparked a wider discussion about Rahman’s public image and the ethical implications of working with individuals facing serious allegations.