‘My Parents Are From a Very Simple Background’ Says Khatija Rahman

All of us are brought up to be honest and be simple and grounded in all walks of life, says Khatija Rahman.

Writer Taslima Nasreen put out a tweet about feeling suffocated seeing AR Rahman's daughter Khatija wearing a burqa. In an interview with The Quint, AR Rahman has opened up about the burqa controversy, he said that he “didn’t react at all” to such comments and that even he would wear a burqa if he had a chance.

“A male is not supposed to wear a burqa, otherwise I will wear one. It would be so easy to go and shop, find steady life. You know, I think, she finds her freedom. Because she is somebody who will go for a funeral of a maid’s mother or maid’s relative. And I get awestruck with her simplicity and what she does socially.”

AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman took to her Instagram and said that she wanted to talk about how she was brought up, Khatija stated that it was because of her family’s simple upbringing, that she has been grounded in all walks of life.

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LBeen wanting to talk about how we were brought up and will shed more light based on this article. But I was running short of words. My parents are from a very simple background. All of us were brought up to be honest, to be true to ourself and be simple and grounded in all walks of life. Our dad no matter what and however busy would always make sure we go to places of worship and pay alms directly to the poor for us to be connected with the poor always. This probably got into my head very deeply and we honestly weren’t forced to be a certain way or be a different person just cause our parents are celebrities. Even when it came to shopping, I’m happy and proud to one of the brands I choose to wear is - Co-optex, bata apart from the other simple brands existing. I still don’t understand when I discuss these with people they are shocked or rather feel I have to be a certain way because of my family’s background. I do not believe in that strongly as long as whatever my wear is comfortable and of my choice. I’ve lately started buying from a couple of women entrepreneurs and other upcoming brands to support their growth and progress. Every time they want to give me something free of cost and want me to promote their brand in return, my principle and upbringing doesn’t allow me to buy stuff for free no matter what. I’m happy to support them irrespective of whether I get their products or not from them. We must try in our own way and support upcoming talent and artists. Even for the greatest of parties I’m happy and proud to say I wear my shoes from bata, all I see in a product is it’s reasonable, classy and comfortable for me to wear no matter where it’s available. I want to break the myths that if you’re from a renowned family you have to be a certain way only and talk to people who are of that kind only. We’re human beings and we tend to connect with people who we vibe well and it doesn’t have to have a filter on who we talk to. My learning to share with the world in the last 24 years of my life especially for young women of today is - you don’t need a man to validate your beauty and your worth isn’t definite by how many guys are behind you.

A post shared by 786 Khatija Rahman (@khatija.rahman) on Feb 23, 2020 at 3:07am PST

She further mentioned that her father, no matter how busy he would be, he made sure that the entire family go to places of worship and give alms to the poor directly. Khatija also mentioned that they were never forced to be a certain way or be a different person just because they belong to a famous family.

Khatija ended her post with a message for young women, she said that “My learning to share with the world in the last 24 years of my life, especially for young women of today, is - you don’t need a man to validate your beauty”

Tasleema Nasreen received severe backlash after she tweeted "I absolutely love AR Rahman’s music. But whenever I see his dear daughter, I feel suffocated. It is really depressing to learn that even educated women in a cultural family can get brainwashed very easily! (sic)"

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Been only a year and this topic is in the rounds again..there’s so much happening in the country and all people are concerned about is the piece of attire a woman wants to wear. Wow, I’m quite startled. Every time this topic comes the fire in me rages and makes me want to say a lot of things..Over the last one year, I’ve found a different version of myself which I haven’t seen in so many years. I will not be weak or regret the choices I’ve made in life. I am happy and proud of what I do and thanks to those who have accepted me the way I am. My work will speak, God willing.. I don’t wish to say any further. To those of you who feel why I’m even bringing this up and explaining myself, sadly it so happens and one has to speak for oneself, that’s why I’m doing it. 🙂. Dear Taslima Nasreen, I’m sorry you feel suffocated by my attire. Please get some fresh air, cause I don’t feel suffocated rather I’m proud and empowered for what I stand for. I suggest you google up what true feminism means because it isn’t bashing other women down nor bringing their fathers into the issue 🙂 I also don’t recall sending my photos to you for your perusal 🙂

A post shared by 786 Khatija Rahman (@khatija.rahman) on Feb 14, 2020 at 11:45am PST

Khatija gave a befitting reply saying “Dear Taslima Nasreen, I’m sorry you feel suffocated by my attire. Please get some fresh air, cause I don’t feel suffocated rather I’m proud and empowered for what I stand for. I suggest you google up what true feminism means because it isn’t bashing other women down nor bringing their fathers into the issue. I also don’t recall sending my photos to you for your perusal (sic)"