Rahman hopes to spread peace with Australian concert

Mangalore Today

Sydney, Jan.14: Academy-award-winning musician A R Rahman hopes that his concert in Sydney will help spread "peace and harmony" between the two countries in the wake of attacks on Indian community in Australia.

"I want to have a great concert for people to enjoy, and also to spread the message of togetherness and peace; build a bridge for people who are trying to break it," Rahman said.
The 44-year-old composer, who will perform at Parramatta Park in Sydney west on Saturday as part of the festival, said he never considered cancelling his trip in light of the recent furore over the attacks on Indian students.
"I felt the urge even more to do that (perform) because of all the stuff (that has been happening). I thought it was very important to do that," he told the ABC.
Rahman asked the media of both India and Australia to be more responsible in bridging the rift between the two nations rather than breaking them apart over the issue.

"First of all we need more responsible media. Media is a great tool, but grossly misused and can provoke people. Just one comment can kill a thousand people - that has happened in the past. You have to be extremely careful and strict about what (you write)," he said.

The ’Slumdog Millionaire’ musician also rejected widely reported accusations that the killing of one Indian student and attacks on others were racist.

"I think the media should be responsible and not attribute them to racist killings," Rahman said, adding that young Indians should avoid walking at night in areas frequented by drug addicts and alcoholics.