Proud, not suffocated: AR Rahman's daughter on Taslima's burqa jibe

A year after AR Rahman’s daughter Khatija Rahman was trolled for wearing a burqa, she has once again been targeted for sporting the traditional Muslim attire, by Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen.

In a recent tweet, Nasreen while praising AR Rahman’s music, criticised Khatija’s choice of wearing the burqa, saying how it made her feel “suffocated.”

“I absolutely love AR 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,” she tweeted.

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! pic.twitter.com/73WoX0Q0n9

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 11, 2020

Reverting to Taslima’s post, Khatija posted on her Instagram profile, a picture of fire with Carson Kolhoff’s quote, “Don’t ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, or my kindness for weakness. To my dearest folks who seem suffocated. Please go and get some fresh air.”

Pointing out how the issue of her dressing has been raked up again, Khatija wondered how people can discuss about a piece of attire a woman wants to wear when there is so much happening in the country.

“Wow, I’m quite startled. Every time this topic comes, the fire in me rages and makes me want to say a lot of things,” she wrote.

Suggesting Taslima to Google what true feminism was, Khatija also shared a message saying, “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.”

Sharing a picture of the blue sky, Khatija thanked people who supported her and even requested her followers to not abuse Taslima.

Her post read: “I’m overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve got once again. Thank you all. I request you all not to abuse or make any hate speech against Ms Taslim. Let’s strive to become a broad-minded society in accepting the choices our fellow human beings make and let’s also remember Ms.Taslim in our prayers and not judge her for the choices she’s made in life. Peace.”

Last year, at an event Khatija was spotted with her father wearing a burqa, after which both of them were heavily trolled on social media.

Reacting to the comments, Rahman had shared a picture of his daughters, each one in a different attire with the hashtag #freedomtochoose.