Celebrated Indian composer AR Rahman has made headlines by becoming the first international artist from South Asia, specifically India, to publicly back a U.S. presidential candidate. He has shown his support for Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, who is making history as a candidate in the upcoming U.S. elections.
AR Rahman’s Virtual Concert Endorsement
AR Rahman expressed his support for Kamala Harris through a 30-minute virtual concert, making him the first South Asian and Indian artist to endorse a U.S. presidential campaign. The performance was organized by the AAPI Victory Fund, a political action committee focused on empowering and mobilizing voters from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The committee also aims to support Democratic candidates from the AAPI community.
Kamala Harris’s Historic Candidacy
If elected, Kamala Harris would not only be the first woman to serve as President of the United States but also the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian heritage to hold the office. Her campaign has attracted widespread attention, and in a significant move, the Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Victory Fund has enlisted AR Rahman to join her supporters.
AAPI Victory Fund’s Statement on Rahman’s Involvement
Shekar Narasimhan, Chairperson of the AAPI Victory Fund, praised AR Rahman’s involvement, stating, “With this performance, AR Rahman has joined the ranks of leaders and artists standing up for progress and representation in America. This concert is more than just entertainment—it’s a call to action, urging communities to participate in shaping the future by voting.” Rahman’s contribution aligns with the committee’s mission of encouraging engagement from diverse groups, particularly within the AAPI community, ahead of the U.S. elections.
AR Rahman’s Iconic Performance
Leading up to the event, the AAPI Victory Fund released a teaser showcasing Rahman preparing for the concert alongside Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami. The entire performance aired on October 13 at 8 p.m. ET (October 14, 5:30 a.m. IST) via the AAPI Victory Fund’s YouTube channel, as well as major South Asian media networks. During the concert, Rahman performed some of his most renowned works, including the fan-favorite Singapore. The musical performance was punctuated with messages that emphasized Kamala Harris’s groundbreaking candidacy and her commitment to addressing the concerns of the AAPI community.
Positive Social Media Response
Following the concert, social media was flooded with support for Rahman’s decision to endorse Harris. One user on platform X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Thank you @arrahman for using your platform to make a difference. It’s vital that influential artists speak up against hatred and division. We need to come together and support Kamala Harris, who stands against fascism, racism, and division.” Another user noted that Rahman’s performance, clocking in at 30 minutes, could serve as a significant boost to Harris’s campaign as the November 5 general election approaches.
Rahman’s Impact on the Asian-American Vote
Rahman’s endorsement is expected to strengthen Harris’s appeal among Asian-American voters, particularly those of Indian descent. The Indian diaspora is a substantial demographic in the U.S., with large populations concentrated in crucial states such as California (20%), Texas (12%), New Jersey (9%), and New York (7%). These states hold considerable sway in the electoral process, and Rahman’s support could encourage greater political engagement from this community.
As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, the race is expected to come down to a contest between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Rahman’s involvement in the campaign is seen as an effort to galvanize voters from diverse backgrounds to support Harris, who advocates for unity and inclusiveness.
Conclusion
AR Rahman’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris through a virtual concert marks a significant moment in both music and politics. His performance not only entertains but also carries a powerful message of solidarity and the importance of participation in democracy. For many, Rahman’s backing serves as a reminder that every vote counts in shaping the future, especially in such a pivotal election.
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