Renowned Indian music composer A.R. Rahman has made headlines for endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the November 5 US Presidential elections. In a powerful show of support, the Oscar-winning musician has recorded a 30-minute performance video, poised to energize the Democratic presidential campaign. This marks a significant moment, making Rahman the first major international artist from South Asia to publicly endorse Kamala Harris.
The AAPI Victory Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the US, announced Rahman’s exclusive performance. Shekar Narasimhan, Chairman of the Fund, emphasized the significance of Rahman’s involvement, stating, “With this performance, A.R. Rahman has added his voice to a chorus of leaders and artists who are standing up for progress and representation in America. This is more than just a musical event, it’s a call to action for our communities to engage and vote for the future we want to see.”
The exclusive performance, featuring some of Rahman’s most beloved songs interspersed with messages, will be available on the AAPI Victory Fund’s YouTube channel and major South Asian networks like AVS and TV Asia. The video will premiere on October 14th at 5:30 AM (October 13th at 8:00 PM ET), aiming to galvanize support for the Harris-Walz campaign amongst South Asian voters worldwide.
The video underscores Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy and her commitment to the AAPI community. A teaser of the 30-minute clip showcases Rahman alongside Indiaspora Founder M.R. Rangaswami preparing for the performance, hinting at a powerful and impactful message.
Rahman’s endorsement and this exclusive performance are expected to resonate deeply with South Asian voters in the US, potentially boosting Harris’s campaign in a crucial demographic group. The video’s release is a timely reminder of the importance of engagement and participation in the upcoming election.