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Anuradha Paudwal Defends A.R. Rahman Amidst Online Criticism

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 6:35 GMT by RepublicWorld
      Locales: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, INDIA

Mumbai, India - February 12th, 2026 - Veteran playback singer Anuradha Paudwal has come forward to publicly support composer A.R. Rahman, following a wave of online criticism directed at his recent work. Paudwal's unwavering defense, delivered in a recent interview, asserts that Rahman's illustrious career is a testament to his own talent and resilience, and impervious to external influence. The incident highlights a growing trend of immediate, and often harsh, public assessment of artists in the age of social media.

Paudwal, known for her strong opinions and willingness to advocate for her peers, stated unequivocally, "I have immense respect for A.R. Rahman. Nobody can influence his career. He has earned it all on his own." Her words carry significant weight, given her own decades-long career in the Indian music industry and her reputation for integrity.

This support arrives amidst a heated online debate sparked by the release of Rahman's latest compositions. While specific pieces have drawn fire, the criticism broadly centers around perceived declines in quality, with some commentators claiming a departure from the innovative sound that initially established Rahman as a global icon. The backlash quickly escalated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and InstaPulse, fueling a robust discussion - and sometimes, aggressive condemnation - of his work. Hashtags like #ARRahmanDecline and #RahmanNeedsToEvolve trended for days, reflecting the intensity of the disagreement.

The situation raises a critical question: how much scrutiny is too much scrutiny for artists in the digital age? While constructive criticism is invaluable for growth, the current climate often fosters instantaneous judgment, fueled by algorithms and echo chambers. Rahman, a two-time Academy Award winner and a figure who has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian music, is hardly immune to this phenomenon. His work, lauded for its fusion of Indian classical elements with electronic music and global influences, has always been progressive and sometimes challenging - traits that now seem to be attracting negative attention from a segment of the audience.

Rahman himself has remained notably silent on the matter, a strategy that some interpret as dignified resilience, while others view as aloofness. This silence, however, hasn't silenced his supporters, including Paudwal. Her public endorsement serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the online negativity and reinforces the idea that artistic merit should be judged on its own terms, not solely by fleeting social media trends.

The context of Rahman's career is also crucial. He burst onto the scene with Mani Ratnam's Roja in 1992, revolutionizing Bollywood music with his innovative sound design and fresh melodies. He followed this with groundbreaking scores for films like Bombay, Dil Se.., and Guru, consistently delivering music that was both commercially successful and artistically acclaimed. His international recognition, including Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire, cemented his status as a global musical force. To suggest that this established artist is now somehow 'declining' ignores the evolution inherent in any creative process.

Paudwal's history further underscores the significance of her statement. She has consistently been a vocal advocate for musicians' rights and artistic freedom. Several times throughout her career, she's publicly defended colleagues facing criticism or unfair treatment within the industry. This latest act of support aligns perfectly with her established character and principles.

Looking ahead, the incident serves as a potent reminder that artists operate in an increasingly vulnerable landscape. The speed and intensity of online criticism can be damaging, and the pressure to conform to popular expectations can stifle creativity. While dialogue and critique are vital components of a healthy artistic ecosystem, it's essential to approach evaluation with nuance, respect, and an understanding of the artist's journey. The outpouring of support for Rahman, spearheaded by voices like Anuradha Paudwal, may signal a growing awareness of the need for more mindful engagement with art and artists in the digital age.