AR Rahman Communalism Row: Music maestro AR Rahman has been blasted by Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De, Kangana Ranaut, BJP, VHP and Shaan while supported by Varun Grover, Mehbooba Mufti and Paresh Rawal over his communalism remarks.
In a recent interview to BBC, the Oscar-winning musician remarked that work from Bollywood slowed for him in the last few years because of “shifting power dynamics” and communal factors.
He added that people who have no creative skills now decide things unlike in the past when experienced and knowledgeable people used to make decisions. Rahman who composed music for the movie Chhaava said the movie exploited “divisiveness”.
Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De, Kangana Ranaut and Shaan Blast AR Rahman
Noted novelist and author Shobhaa De remarked Bollywood has always been free of communal tension. Shobhaa further remarked Rahman is a mature man and should not have made those remarks. Singer Shaan denied of any minority or communal bias in Bollywood. The singer said he also has not been getting much work lately but that does not mean that biases are going on.
Screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar blasted the Padma Bhushan recipient saying he is also a Muslim and has never felt like communal biases in Bollywood.
Actor-politician Manoj Tiwari said he does not agree with the statement of Rahman. Tiwari remarked sometimes things slow down a lot for everyone. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut called Rahman “prejudiced and hateful”. Ranaut said AR Rahman refused to work on her for the movie “Emergency” saying her directorial project was propaganda.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also blasted Rahman saying India has never seen the music genius through the lens of religion.
Varun Grover and Paresh Rawal comes to Rahman’s Rescue
Varun Grover, the national award-winning lyricist, said the comments made by the music maestro were made in the mildest and politest manner based on his lived-experience. Mehbooba Mufti, the former CM of Jammu & Kashmir, said communalism is the truth of India.
Actor Paresh Rawal came in the support of Rahman and commented that the music director is the pride of India
AR Rahman Communalism Row-Rahman Backtracks From His Comments
In a video message, AR Rahman remarked that his comments have been misunderstood.
The Roja music director remarked India is his home, teacher and inspiration. Rahman further added that he never wished to cause pain to anyone and said he wish his sincerity is felt.