In a recent episode of AI with Sanket, host Sanket Upadhyay led a panel discussion with Girish Wankhede, Abhishek Tripaati, T Ramakrishnan, and Saira Shah Halim, focused on music maestro AR Rahman’s characterization of Bollywood as ‘communal’ during a BBC interview. The panel examined whether his comments indicate discrimination, evolving industry dynamics, or a deeper creative and commercial shift within Hindi cinema.
Rahman’s remarks surprised many, especially given his previous reluctance to engage in discussions about politics or discrimination. When asked about potential bias as a Tamil outsider in Bollywood, Rahman mentioned he hadn’t faced overt discrimination but noted that in recent years, the power structures in the industry have changed, creativity has declined, and decisions increasingly stem from non-creative influences.
The term ‘communal’ drew intense reactions, leading the panel to debate if Bollywood has become exclusionary or if Rahman was expressing frustration over an industry that has transformed significantly.
Trade analyst Girish Wankhede labeled Rahman’s claim as a serious allegation, emphasizing Bollywood’s historical inclusivity through contributions from Muslim artists. He suggested that Rahman’s concerns might be more about a changed music ecosystem than communal bias, citing increased competition and producer-led decision-making.
Filmmaker Abhishek Tripaati dismissed Rahman’s statement, calling it irresponsible, and highlighted that the composer remains celebrated in Hindi cinema. He argued that the current industry is market-driven, reflecting audience demand rather than political ideologies.
Journalist T Ramakrishnan urged a critical analysis of Rahman’s comments, questioning why these concerns were raised at this point in his career, and suggested that the composer might be facing creative stagnation rather than discrimination.
Contrastingly, activist Saira Shah Halim positioned Rahman’s remarks within a broader socio-political framework, claiming they reflect subtle exclusion influenced by corporate control over artistic expression.
The panel also discussed how evolving audience preferences have changed Bollywood’s musical landscape, with Wankhede and Tripaati noting the rise of social-media-driven composers. Halim countered that market trends are deeply tied to political and cultural climates.
The discussion also touched on the relevance of Rahman’s religious identity in his professional life, with Tripaati arguing that successful Muslim artists exist across the industry. Halim countered that success does not eliminate vulnerability, citing instances of boycott campaigns affecting artistic choices.
Veteran journalist Denzil O’Connell pointed out that concentrated corporate power has impacted Bollywood’s music industry, noting that Rahman flourished with directors who understood his unique style, a situation that is becoming rare.
The panel ultimately agreed that Rahman’s comments warrant serious discussion rather than dismissal. While opinions varied on whether Bollywood is becoming communal, there was consensus that the industry is undergoing significant transformation, highlighting the tensions between creativity and commerce, legacy and modern tastes, and freedom versus conformity.
As noted by the panel, when a reserved figure like AR Rahman speaks out, the industry must take heed.