Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman recently landed in controversy after comments he made in an interview with BBC Asian Network. His remarks about changes in Bollywood’s power structure and a possible communal angle behind his reduced work sparked strong reactions online and across the film industry.
Rahman spoke about the slowdown in his Hindi film projects over the past eight years. During the interview, he said that people who are not creative now control key decisions in the industry. He also suggested that the shift might be a “communal” thing. His statement quickly became the centre of debate.
Actor and politician Arun Govil has now responded to Rahman’s remarks. He rejected the idea that communal bias exists in Indian cinema.
Arun Govil REACTS To AR Rahman’s Comments
Arun Govil (who became a household name for playing Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan) shared his views. He was attending an event organised by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees and the Cine Artiste Welfare Trust. Govil is also part of Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film Ramayana.
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Rejecting Rahman’s claims, Govil said the film industry has always been inclusive. He told PTI, “In our industry, it has never happened where people have not got work due to communal bias. There are examples of this in our industry. In our industry, people of every religion have worked. Even today, there is no such thing. In fact, the film industry is the only industry where there is no communal bias.”
Govil also pointed to some of Bollywood’s biggest stars to support his view. He added, “Earlier, we’ve had actors like Dilip Kumar. He was the king of the industry in his time. Even today, Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir, they are all stars. If there were communal bias, how would they have become stars?”
Others Who Disagreed With AR Rahman
Rahman had explained that his comments were based on indirect information. He said the idea of communal bias reached him through “Chinese whispers” about projects he was first signed for but later lost. Still, the suggestion drew sharp criticism.
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar disagreed with Rahman’s view. He said Rahman’s success and stature may make producers hesitant, as they feel “awe and fear” when approaching him. Singer Shaan also dismissed the communal angle and said the industry rewards talent over everything else.
The controversy grew with stronger reactions. Anup Jalota made a controversial remark suggesting Rahman “consider becoming a Hindu again.” Actor Kangana Ranaut accused the composer of being “prejudiced and hateful.” Union Minister G Kishan Reddy called the claims “absolutely false,” while the Vishwa Hindu Parishad accused Rahman of “defaming the country.” Lyricist Manoj Muntashir also advised Rahman to be more careful with his words.
After the backlash, Rahman released an emotional video on January 18. He said his remarks were misunderstood and stressed his love for the country. Rahman added that India remains his inspiration, teacher and home.
