Oscar-winning music maestro AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman has once again become the trending personality on social media after deftly putting down the trolls over her ‘Burqa’ look. This time is Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen who took a snap at Khatija calling her depressing and suffocating. The controversial author who has been under exile also shared one of Khatija’s picture wearing a black veil. “I absolutely love A R 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,” wrote Taslima on February 11.
Besides the backlash from numerous Muslims and activists, Taslima also tasted a fitting reply from Rahman’s daughter who took to Instagram saying she is proud and empowered. She also stressed on the fact that it was her choice to wear what she wants. “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,” she wrote directly referring to Taslima.
Burqawalis are empowered. War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 16, 2020
However, Taslima deleted the post after welcoming sharp criticism over using Khatija’s picture and directly referring her. She then posted “Burqawalis are empowered. War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength,” discursively referring to Khatija’s comment. A year ago, AR Rahman was trolled by netizens for making his daughter Khatija wear a burqa for an award function. However, the composer shut down the trolls saying that the women in his family are free to wear whatever they want.
