BJP MLA wants VHP to reach out to people like Rahman

Hyderabad, Sep 17: Stoking a new controversy, BJP MLA in Telangana has urged the VHP to reach out to more people like A R Rahman, whose composition for a film on Prophet Muhammad has invited a fatwa against him.

"I request VHP functionaries to reach out to many more people like A R Rahman who are feeling suffocated after accepting Islam," said Raja Singh. Singh's remark came a day after VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said Hindus would "welcome" the noted composer with open arms and alleged that he had converted to Islam for commercial reasons.

"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," Surendra Jain had said.

"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 had told reporters yesterday.

Mumbai-based Raza Academy had objected to the film- "Muhammad: Messenger of God" made by Iranian director Majid Majidi and issued a fatwa against Oscar-winner Rahman and Majidi, calling the movie against Islam.

PTI