Renowned music composer AR Rahman recently expressed his feelings about a decline in work opportunities, attributing it to a shift in power dynamics within the Hindi film industry over the last eight years, hinting at possible communal influences. In response, musician Hariharan from the duo Colonial Cousins shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need for creativity to take precedence over monetary concerns in the arts. He stated, ‘You have to think about creativity first and money later. If you only think of money when it comes to art, then who knows what the future will be.’
Hariharan, known for his rendition of the romantic track ‘Tu Hi Re’ from AR Rahman’s ‘Bombay,’ described the current industry landscape as a ‘grey area.’ His collaborator, Leslie Lewis, also noted the significant shift in the music industry, highlighting that new voices and digital platforms are reshaping the scene. ‘It’s not just the old players anymore. New people with new thoughts have come in, and digital platforms have changed the parameters completely,’ he remarked.
Both artists are advocating for the launch of Goongoonalo, which recently debuted 100 songs while ensuring equal treatment among all contributors without charging fees. Meanwhile, Meerra Chopra, co-producer of the silent film ‘Gandhi Talks,’ defended Rahman against online criticism, emphasizing his global impact and calling for respect for his legacy.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman reflected on his outsider status in the industry and acknowledged the changes in power dynamics, stating that decision-makers today often lack the creative insight necessary for their roles. His comments have sparked a mixed reaction within the industry, with some expressing concern and others, like actor Kangana Ranaut, challenging his claims.
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