Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman breaks silence after a heated debate over his ‘communal’ comment

In a video shared on Instagram, Rahman, known for composing iconic melodies over decades, said: “Music has always been the way to connect, celebrate and honour India's culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt.”

Rahman’s remarks had sparked debate in the Hindi film industry after he suggested that changing power structures — possibly including a communal dimension — may have contributed to a decline in work opportunities for him.

In a recent BBC interview, Rahman said he has received fewer projects from the Hindi film industry in recent years, noting that the reasons behind such decisions are rarely communicated directly.

“It comes to me as Chinese whispers,” he explained, adding that projects sometimes move forward with multiple composers despite his initial involvement. He also highlighted the growing influence of non-creative decision-makers in shaping hiring choices within the industry.

Several prominent industry figures have pushed back against Rahman’s suggestion that communal factors play a role.

Author and columnist Shobhaa De described Rahman’s comment as “dangerous” and questioned its basis.

“I’ve been watching Bollywood for 50 years, and if I’ve seen any place free of communal tension, it is Bollywood. Talent gets you a chance, religion has never been a factor. Rahman is a successful and mature man, and he should not have said this — though he may have his reasons,” she told ANI.

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed similar views, saying he had neither experienced nor observed communal bias in the industry.

“I don’t agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this. Rahman is a great composer and widely respected. But people are often intimidated by his stature. They feel he is too big to approach — humare bas ka nahi hai, yeh toh bohot bada aadmi hai (he is a big shot). It is an assumption born out of awe and fear, not bias,” Akhtar told India Today.