"Music is the medium understood by everyone"
AR Rahman’s 25-year-old daughter, Khatija Rahman, amazed audiences with her soulful singing.
The young musician sang her original song, ‘Farishton’, at the Dubai Expo 2020 on November 20, 2021.
She was also joined on stage by the Firdaus Orchestra, comprised entirely of women, in what was their debut show.
Together, they marked World Children’s Day with a spiritual performance as the ‘Farishton’ music video played behind them.
The animated clip had previously won the Best Animation Music Video Award at the International Sound Future Awards 2021.
Explaining the premise of the video, Khatija Rahman had said at the time:
“The journey is based on my experience and learnings through the years.
“I felt like a woman who wants to be independent; that comes through in the video.
“She comes from a lab, travels alone and finds herself safe in the night. I found that to be resonating; that is how I see myself.
“I’m not oppressed because I’m covering my head; I’m still doing what I need.
“So that is what I connected to and felt good about.”
The performance has gained even more traction since AR Rahman, who composed the song, shared it on his Instagram page.
Celebrities and netizens were just as impressed with the performance as the live audience had been.
Singer Simantinee Roy commented: “Beautiful melody and so beautifully sung Khatija.”
Composer Ricky Kej said:
“Wowwww… that was pure magic!”
Actor Vikram Prabhu added: “Wow sir! Beautiful voice!”
One Instagram user agreed: “She is blessed with such a beautiful voice. Amazing.”
Someone else added: “Absolutely mesmerising. God bless her.”
Another said: “Gave me goosebumps. What a beautiful voice.”
Khatija Rahman made her musical debut in the soundtrack of Tamil sci-fi film Enthiran (2010) when she was just 14-years-old.
She has since had some notable collaborations including ‘Iltaja’ with Grammy-winning Ricky Kej, which was released in 2o20.
Speaking of her music, the singer said:
“Yes, I’ve always wanted my art to have a message. This doesn’t mean one shouldn’t be an entertainer.
“Music is the medium understood by everyone and is a great influence on one’s heart and mind.
“I want to spread a message of unity, acceptance of diversity, co-existence.”
Meanwhile, AR Rahman has continued to create music. He also co-wrote and produced the movie 99 Songs (2019).
The Netflix romance follows a musician challenged to compose 100 songs before he can marry the girl he loves.
Oscar-winner AR Rahman also composed the music for the movie.
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