Ram Gopal Varma’s Viral Claim About ‘Jai Ho’ Composition

New Delhi, January 22, 2026: A significant wave of debate has been reignited across the Indian film industry following the resurgence of an old interview featuring filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV). In the viral clip, which gained massive traction in January 2026, a startling claim regarding the Academy Award-winning song ‘Jai Ho’ was made by the director. It is suggested in the video that the iconic track from Slumdog Millionaire was not actually composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman. This revelation has sent shockwaves through music enthusiasts, as the song is widely considered to be one of Rahman’s most celebrated global achievements.

The Claim Behind the Masterpiece

The credit for the composition was attributed to singer Sukhwinder Singh by RGV during the candid conversation. It was stated by the filmmaker that the tune was originally created by Singh for a project titled Yuvvraaj, directed by Subhash Ghai. According to the narrative shared in the video, the track was allegedly rejected by Ghai, after which it was fine-tuned and utilized by A.R. Rahman for the Danny Boyle directorial. The interview suggests that while the production and arrangement were handled by Rahman, the core melody was birthed by the singer himself.

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Resurfacing at a Strategic Moment

The timing of this video’s resurgence is being viewed with curiosity, as it coincides with a period of renewed interest in the history of Indian film music. It is frequently noted that RGV is known for his unfiltered and often controversial takes on the industry, yet this specific claim has garnered attention due to the high stakes involved with an Oscar-winning piece. The viral clip has been shared extensively on platforms like X and Instagram, where netizens are seen debating the nuances of “creative collaboration” versus “original composition.”

Clarifications from the Past

A sense of perspective is being offered by industry veterans who recall similar discussions from years ago. It has been previously clarified by both Sukhwinder Singh and A.R. Rahman that the creation of a song is often a collaborative effort involving multiple creative minds. While the initial spark might have been discussed in a different context, the final, polished version that won the world over is credited to Rahman’s genius in orchestration and vision. The claim made by RGV is being interpreted by some as a simplified version of a much more complex creative process.

The Impact on A.R. Rahman’s Legacy

The legacy of the “Mozart of Madras” is being fiercely defended by his global fanbase in the wake of this viral storm. It is argued that the technical brilliance and international appeal of ‘Jai Ho’ could only have been achieved through Rahman’s unique touch. Despite the sensational nature of the interview, no formal response has been issued by Rahman’s team in 2026, as the video is recognized as an old piece of content being repurposed for clicks. The controversy serves as a reminder of how digital archives can be used to challenge established narratives and spark intense public discourse.