A.R. Rahman, celebrated for his transformative contributions to Indian music, recently stirred controversy during an interview where he discussed the current state of the music industry. The composer expressed that he feels he is receiving fewer opportunities, attributing this decline to bias against his identity.
However, many on social media disagreed, suggesting that the perceived drop in his workload might be due to a change in the style and quality of his recent music, which they argue lacks the magic of his earlier works.
In the interview, Rahman stated, ‘A power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also� but it is not in my face…I don�t want to go in search of work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work.’ His comments ignited a flurry of reactions online, with users critiquing his recent musical output. One user remarked, ‘Let�s be honest�your recent music has been mid at best. Instead of acknowledging that and evolving creatively, you�re framing it as a victim narrative.’ Another added, ‘He has been very average except in a few films like Roja, Gentleman, Kaadalan, etc. He was good in the 20th century.’
Critics also took issue with his mention of communalism. One user stated, ‘Every generation has its own music. If this gen loves remade songs and Tony Kakkar, it’s not your fault. Your work was phenomenal and we still love them. With the highest regards to your work, don�t give it a communal twist. Your work is much greater than petty politics.’
Author Shobhaa De also weighed in, labeling Rahman’s comments as dangerous and expressing her surprise at his perspective on the industry. ‘I have been observing Bollywood for the last 50 years, and if I have seen any place free of communal tensions, it is Bollywood,’ she stated.
Rahman’s remarks have led to a divided reaction online and have reverberated through the industry, perceived by some as a critique of the music landscape.