Mohini Dey, bass player known for performing with A. R. Rahman, recently addressed some baseless rumors linking her to the music maestro. Taking to Instagram, she spoke out, calling Rahman a father figure in her life and criticizing the false assumptions circulating online.
In a heartfelt video, Mohini explained, “I’ve been lucky to have several father figures and role models in my life, and A.R. Rahman is one of them. I respect him deeply—he’s just like a father to me. In fact, he’s a little younger than my dad, and his daughter and I are the same age. We’ve always had a relationship based on mutual respect and love.”
Mohini shared that she worked as Rahman’s bassist for eight and a half years before moving to the U.S., where she’s now focused on her own band and solo career. Addressing the hurt caused by the rumors, she added, “This is a personal matter, and it’s painful. Please be kind and respect our privacy.”
In her Instagram caption, Mohini didn’t hold back. She called out the media for spreading misinformation, saying, “It’s shocking to see the amount of baseless claims being made about me and A.R. Rahman. The media has completely twisted two separate events. My time working with Rahman was invaluable, and I’ll always treasure those years. But it’s heartbreaking to see people lack empathy for emotional matters like this.”
She also reflected on the key figures who’ve shaped her journey, including her late father, Ranjit Barot, Louiz Banks, and Rahman himself. She credited Rahman for giving her the space to grow as an artist, saying, “He gave me the freedom to shine in his shows and studio recordings, and I’ll always cherish that.”
In her message, Mohini Dey urged people to think before they speak. “The media doesn’t seem to understand the impact of their words on people’s lives. I don’t owe anyone an explanation, but I want this to stop here. Please respect our privacy and stop spreading false claims.”
This comes after Rahman’s announcement of his separation from Saira Banu and Mohini’s own recent split from her husband, Mark Hartsuch. Unfortunately, the timing led to unwarranted speculation. Mohini, however, has made it clear—this is not a story for gossip.
With over 40 shows alongside Rahman and collaborations with legends like Zakir Hussain, Steve Vai, and Marco Minnemann, Mohini is a true force in the music world. Let’s leave the rumors behind and celebrate her incredible talent.
