Backing actor Aamir Khan, who has come under heavy criticism for his rising intolerance statement, Oscar-winning music composer A R Rahman has said that he faced a similar situation sometimes back.

Speaking at National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) Film Bazaar at the 46th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) at Panaji, Rahman said, "I had gone through something similar a couple of months ago". He was referring to Mumbai-based Raza Academy's fatwa against him after he composed the music for Iranian film 'Muhammad: Messenger of God'.

Raza Academy had claimed that the title of the film disregarded the Prophet. Rahman had to face huge opposition from fringe groups and his shows in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were cancelled due to the controversy. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had even invited the celebrated singer, music composer to re-convert to Hinduism, saying it was time for his ghar wapsi.

Responding to a question regarding artists returning their awards in protest against what they described as growing intolerance, Rahman, was known as AS Dileep Kumar before he embraced Islam, said, "Everything should be done classily. I feel what people are doing is very poetic. We should set an example for the world because we come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi".

INDIA TODAY