Oscar Academy to sue Ismail for `Rahman comment`

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: Ismail Darbar might have just landed himself in trouble for having said that AR Rahman did not earn his Oscar Awards but bought them. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is contemplating to take legal action against Darbar for accusing them of `being bought`. Reportedly the AMPAS body will sue Darbar for USD 50 million. The music director, who made his debut as a composer in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ also went on to say that the internationally acclaimed music maestro did not deserve the academy awards (`Best Original Score` and `Best Original Song`) for his ‘Jai Ho’ track from Danny Boyle’s flick ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Rahman, who was extremely upset with Darbar’s comment denied allegations made on him but chose not to take legal action for defaming him. Darbar speaking to a news channel said that an incredible PR worked behind Rahman’s Oscar win. Everyone knows he has given some outstanding compositions, but only the ‘Slumdog’ song got the Oscar. Rahman bought the Oscar award now probably because he didn’t have money in the past. Reacting on Darbar’s statement, fellow musician Lalit Pandit said, “I’m really shocked that Ismail is saying all this. We all know that Rahman has given better composition earlier than the one which went on to win the Oscars, but that doesn’t mean you can question the authenticity of such a prestigious award show in the world. International Hollywood actors on receiving the Academy award go all emotional and tearful as that’s the ultimate reward for their hard and earnest work done in their chosen field of work. I think Ismail Darbar’s comments on Rahman were totally uncalled for.” Talking in the same tone, renowned singer Ila Arun said, “I feel ashamed. Insulting someone who has brought such pride to India is shame. I don’t know in what mind did Ismail Darbar said all this. I think we should all ignore what Darbar said for Rahman is beyond such futile skirmish.” However, Ismail Darbar , while talking to a daily said, "I am not aware of any such legal notice from the Academy. I will react if and when I receive it." Though Ismail made a big splash in Bollywood as a music composer initially, barring ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Devdas’, he has no other hits to his credit. Off late he has decided to join politics and has thanked Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for a BJP ticket.