AR Rahman explains why he left the stage as Anchor spoke in Hindi at the 99 songs event, joking ‘it saved us a lot of money’

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman opened up about why he left the stage last month, during a promotional event for 99 songs. He is the co-author and producer of 99 songs. Explaining his apparent annoyance with the Hindi speaking anchor at a launch event, he said it was a ‘joke’ and was not meant to be taken seriously.

In a viral video, after the host asked a question of 99 song star Ehan Bhat in Hindi, Rahman could be seen exclaiming, “Hindi?” And leaving the stage, as the crowd cheered.

Now, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rahman has explained his actions. “What has happened is that we are launching in three languages. Hindi has already started and we arrive in Tamil Nadu. So there are certain types of protocols on the scene. We are talking to a Tamil audience who are already saying Ehan is very fair. So I told him (the anchor) to speak Tamil and follow the protocol, ”he said.

“I think she wanted to be nice to Ehan and he understands Hindi better, so she spoke in Hindi. So I said, “Hindi?” and I had to leave the stage. After that, other people had to come on stage. So people put this one and a two and I got mad. It was a joke. It wasn’t meant to be serious. I think it saved us a lot of money by going viral, spreading Ehan and my face, ”he added.

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After leaving the stage, Rahman could be seen smiling in the video as he teased the anchor in Tamil: “Haven’t I already asked you if you speak Tamil or not?” and added: “Just kidding.” She replied that it was “always a pleasure to be trolled by the maestro”.

99 songs will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on April 16. Presented by Jio Studios, the film is produced by AR Rahman production company YM Movies and co-produced by Ideal Entertainment.