Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman is facing strong political reactions after comments he made about getting less work in Bollywood in recent years. His suggestion that the slowdown could be linked to a “communal thing” has sparked criticism from BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), turning the issue into a wider public debate.
Rahman made these remarks during an interview with the BBC Asian Network. He spoke openly about how work opportunities have changed for him over the past eight years. The composer said there has been a “power shift” in the Hindi film industry, with decision-making now in the hands of people who may not be creatively driven.
Rahman said, “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.” He added that he often hears about projects through “Chinese whispers” instead of being approached directly.
The comments quickly drew attention and reactions from political leaders, who strongly disagreed with Rahman’s suggestion.
Union Minister, VHP Criticise AR Rahman After His Controversial Comment
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy rejected Rahman’s claim and called it absolutely FALSE. Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, “AR Rahman’s comment today that he is not getting support in the film music industry because of being Muslim is absolutely false. The country has supported and received him as the number one music director in the country.”
Reddy also said that Rahman has always been respected by people across religions and communities. He felt it was unfortunate that religion was being brought into the conversation and added, “The people of the country have never seen Rahman through the lens of religion.”
Vishwa Hindu Parishad responded even more strongly. National spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused the composer of blaming the system instead of self-reflection. Referring to Rahman’s statement, Bansal said, “It seems that AR Rahman too has become a leader of the faction whose leader was once former Vice President Hamid Ansari.”
He added, “Hamid Ansari availed benefits for 10 years and held Constitutional posts. While retiring, he pulled down India.” Bansal claimed Rahman had always been loved by Indian audiences and questioned his comments. As quoted by ANI, he said, “He (AR Rahman) was adored by all Indians and Hindu people. Instead of looking within himself that why he is not getting work, he is badmouthing the system and defaming the entire industry. What does he want to prove?”
Bansal further escalated the attack by saying, “He was once a Hindu himself. Why did he convert to Islam? Do ‘gharwapasi’ now. Maybe you will start getting work once again. Such petty statements can be made by a politician, it does not suit an artist.”
What The Composer Said
In the same BBC interview, Chhaava music composer made it clear that he is not actively chasing projects. He said he prefers to let his work speak for itself. “I’m not in search of work. I want work to come to me; the sincerity of my work to earn things. I feel it’s a jinx when I go in search of things.”
Looking back at his early days in Bollywood, Rahman said he did not feel any bias when he entered the industry in the 1990s. “Maybe I didn’t get to know all this stuff. Maybe God concealed all this stuff.” However, he added that things may have changed in recent years due to power shifts.
