In 1979, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, then known only as an actor, launched a scathing critique of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini for his decision to ban all music from the country’s radio and television. Her critique began with a local issue: the decision of All India Radio (AIR) to ban the song Oram Po, Oram Po Rukumani Vandi Varuthu from the 1979 Tamil film Ponnu Oorukku Pudusu. The song, composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, had lyrics written by his brother Gangai Amaran, who is also a music director. “There is no Tamil newspaper that has not condemned AIR’s decision to ban Ilaiyaraaja’s song Oram Po,” she wrote. “But, in Iran, its leader Khomeini has said Oram Po to music,” a pun implying “say ‘no’ to music”.
The article appeared in the September 15, 1979 edition of Thug
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