Indian composer AR Rahman has stirred a discussion on the internet by using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the voices of late singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed in the song 'Thimiri Yezhuda' to be featured in Rajinikanth's upcoming movie 'Lal Salaam'.
The composer, after the mixed responses, posted a clarification on Twitter, saying, "We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms ..technology is not a threat and a nuisance if we use it right."
Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed closely collaborated with AR Rahman, creating many hit songs. Sadly, Shahul Hameed passed away in a car accident in 1997, and Bamba Bakya succumbed to a cardiac arrest in 2022.
AR Rahman garnered praise from one faction for seeking approval and providing compensation to the families of the late singers, but another group criticised the action, labelling it 'unethical'.
In the Tamil drama 'Lal Salaam' directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal play the lead roles. Rajinikanth makes an extended cameo appearance in the film, which is centred around the theme of fostering religious harmony. The film is scheduled to release on February 9, and its satellite rights have been acquired by Sun TV and Netflix.
Controversy Around Lal Salaam So Far
"Lal Salaam" has been a constant topic of discussion and has stirred various controversies since its announcement. Aishwarya Rajinikanth's much-anticipated third directorial project had its audio launch on Friday, January 26, in Chennai.
During the event, Aishwaryaa addressed those who labelled her father, veteran actor Rajinikanth, as "Sanghi." She made it clear that Rajinikanth does not identify with the term.
Sharing her feelings, she disclosed her initial anger upon witnessing her father being tagged as a 'Sanghi.' Unfamiliar with the term, she looked up its meaning, discovering that it referred to individuals supporting a particular political party.
Rajinikanth also reacted to Aishwarya's statement during an interview with reporters on Monday, expressing his support. He emphasised that Aishwarya never intended any negativity when using the term "Sanghi."