Music composer AR Rahman recently found himself at the centre of controversy following his remarks on the film industry.
What's Happening
- Recently, National Award-winning lyricist Varun Grover publicly supported AR Rahman and weighed in on the backlash.
- Sharing the music video of O Paalanhaare, a popular song composed by Rahman for the film Lagaan, on his X account, Grover criticised the reaction to the composer's remarks.
- In his post, Grover wrote, "The greatest living composer of the last 3 decades got attacked and abused (even by people within the industry) for stating an opinion in the politest, mildest manner, that too based on his lived-experience."
- He added, "And the very next day forced to issue an apology/clarification to calm the toxic mob down. If any further proof was needed to confirm his hints at the rising divisiveness..."
The greatest living composer of the last 3 decades got attacked and abused (even by people within the industry) for stating an opinion in the politest, mildest manner, that too based on his lived-experience.
— वरुण 🇮🇳 (@varungrover) January 18, 2026
And the very next day forced to issue an apology/clarification to…
The "Communal" Remark Row
In a recent interview with BBC Network, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman said that work from the Hindi film industry has slowed for him in recent years, attributing this change to "shifting power dynamics" over the last eight years and, possibly, to what he described as "a communal thing.
Rahman said the reasons often reach him indirectly. "It comes to me as Chinese whispers," he noted.
Elaborating on that shift, the composer added, "People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family."
After the remarks, Shobhaa De said, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don't know why he has made it, you should ask him." Drawing from her decades-long association with the Hindi film industry, De shared that Bollywood has largely remained free of communal bias. "I have been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I have seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don't have talent, there is no question of religion being a factor that you are not getting a chance."
She concluded, "So, what he is saying, he is such a successful man, he is such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him."
Shaan also denied any notion of a "communal or minority" bias in Rahman's recent comments. He told IANS, "I have been singing for so many years and I am also not getting much work. But I don't go into it much because I feel it is a personal thing. Everyone has their own thoughts and likes. And how much work we should get is not in our hands."
He added, "Whatever work you get, do it well. Whatever work Mr. Rahman gets, it is his signature style. It is amazing that he is a composer and his fans have not decreased, they are increasing. So if there was any such thing."
He concluded, "I don't think there is any communal minority angle. Whatever you are saying, it doesn't happen in music. If there was such a thing, then all our three superstars, who have been in the minority for 30 years, but their fans are less than anyone else, are increasing. So it doesn't happen. Do good work, do good music and don't think about all this."
Javed Akhtar also shared his views and told IANS, "I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him. Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him. But I don't think there is any communal element in this. Why don't you see him? He will definitely come."
"Never Wished To Cause Pain": AR Rahman
After facing sustained backlash online, AR Rahman shared his perspective through a video message on social media on Sunday.
Rahman took to Instagram to clarify his stand, emphasising that India has always been central to his life and creative journey.
In the video, he spoke about music being his primary medium of expression and connection, while underlining that he never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments.
"Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a 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 said.
He went on to say that he feels fortunate to be an Indian, adding that the country offers him a space that values creative freedom and celebrates diverse voices.
Rahman highlighted how working in such an environment has shaped his artistic outlook.
Reflecting on his journey so far, the composer spoke about several projects that he believes have reinforced his purpose.
"From nurturing Jala presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with the young Naga musicians, to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, also building Secret Mountain, India's first multicultural virtual band and the honour of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose," he added.
Towards the end of the video, Rahman expressed gratitude to India and reaffirmed his commitment to creating music that, in his words, "honours the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future."
Also Read: AR Rahman Breaks Silence On "Communal" Remark Controversy: "Never Wished To Cause Pain"
