Rahman’s comments about Bollywood’s decline have sparked a media firestorm. He’s now clarifying his stance amid industry pushback.
Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman found himself in the hot seat after his remarks regarding the dwindling volume of his work in Bollywood ignited a fierce debate within the film community and online. On January 18, Rahman spoke with a British digital radio station, where he mentioned that his Bollywood projects have significantly decreased over the past eight years, attributing this shift to a potential “communal thing” and a restructuring of creative control within the industry.
The backlash was swift, with critics from various sectors of the industry taking issue with his comments. In response, Rahman took to social media to clarify that his words were misinterpreted and he had no intention of causing any hurt. He emphasized his deep connection to India, describing it as his inspiration and home, while expressing that his work has always aimed to uplift and honor the culture through music.
To reinforce his commitment to Indian music, Rahman mentioned several recent projects, including collaborations with emerging artists, mentoring programs, and large-scale productions. He asserted that these experiences reaffirmed his belief in the importance of creative freedom and multicultural expression, asserting, “I’m blessed to be Indian.”
This clarification came just after BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut publicly criticized him, accusing him of having a “prejudiced and hateful” stance. Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her to discuss composing music for her film, Emergency, believing it to be a “propaganda film.”
In contrast, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, who has a long-standing professional relationship with Rahman, rejected the notion of communal bias influencing filmmakers’ decisions. He suggested that Rahman’s stature in the industry led to a respectful distance rather than exclusion.
Support for Rahman emerged from various corners of the industry. Actor Paresh Rawal expressed solidarity, referring to him as “our pride” on social media. Writer-comedian Varun Grover remarked that Rahman was unfairly targeted for sharing a personal perspective and that his clarification reflected the pressures of a “toxic mob.”
At the Jaipur Literature Festival, author Shobhaa De added her voice to the discourse, asserting that talent, not religion, dictates opportunities in Bollywood. She questioned the need for Rahman to make such comments given his esteemed status within the industry.
This incident has reignited discussions about power dynamics, access, and polarization within Hindi cinema. Rahman’s remarks now resonate as part of a broader conversation about creative freedom and the public’s role in shaping discourse, rather than simply a standalone grievance.