Thaindian News

Sydney, Jan 14 (IANS) Referring to the news reports of recent attacks on Indians in Australia, music maestro A.R. Rahman, who is in Sydney for a free concert to bridge relations between India and Australia, says the media should act responsibly.
“We need more responsible media. Media’s a great tool, but it can also be misused and provoke people and just one wrong can kill thousands of people. And that’s happened in the past and we need to be extremely careful and strict about what we are - the truth,” said Rahman at a press conference here Thursday.

“I was speaking to a lot of people, they were saying that some of them are racial killings, some of them are not. But everything gets painted in the same colour and we have to be very careful on that,” he added.

Rahman’s remarks came amid a string of attacks on Indians and Indian symbols in the country, the latest being a fire at a Melbourne gurdwara.

The Indian Oscar winner is slated to perform at the Parramatta Park as part of the Festival of Sydney, Saturday and he says it is a step forward to bridge the gaps.

“This country is re-affirming the friendship and I hope that this concert brings that and I’m sure it will, hopefully,” said the 44-year-old.

“Australia has taken this first step, they called me. I think any art form, whether it’s a movie or whether it’s a concert, you see all kinds of people in one,” he added.

Rahman, who is known internationally for composing the song “Jai Ho” from Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire”, also gave safety tips to people.

“Regarding safety, I would advise not to go anywhere at night, especially in shady places where there are a lot of drug addicts and alcoholics and be careful, because they are going to be the main reason for any trouble in the future,” he said.