Just when we thought the controversy surrounding Raza Academy’s fatwa issued to AR Rahman for composing music for a movie on Prophet Muhammad was dying down, especially after a fantastic response by AR Rahman to the fatwa, yet another controversial comment has been made. This time, we have the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to thank.
Media reports state that VHP general secretary Surendra Jain has asked Rahman to re-convert to Hinduism, saying it was time for his ‘ghar-wapasi’.
"The fatwa against Rahman is very unfortunate and what is more unfortunate is the language of revenge in it.... He composed music for a film not on the basis of any religion.
"I will appeal to Rahman... he should return, he should do 'ghar-wapsi'. The Hindu society is waiting for its son. We will not only welcome him with open arms but also ensure that no harm is done to him irrespective of how many fatwas are issued," Jain is reported to have said.
Ghar-wapsi is a controversial campaign being run by Hindu groups to ‘re-convert’ Muslims and Christians back to Hinduism.
Rahman got the fatwa for composing music for the Iranian director film "Muhammad: Messenger of God" directed by Majid Majidi. Mumbai-based Raza Academy had objected to the film and issued a fatwa against Oscar-winner Rahman and Majidi, calling the movie against Islam.
Rahman has said he composed the music "in good faith and with no intention to cause offence". You can read his response here.
Meanwhile, responding to the controversies around Rajinikanth and the proposed movie on Tipu Sultan, and fatwa to Rahman, actor Prakash Raj told reporters in Chennai, “Country is getting intolerant. Bubble will burst soon,” adding, “You ban meat, you ban porn, don't voters have rights?”