A political response has sparked fresh discussion after Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman spoke about getting fewer offers from Bollywood in recent years. AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan reacted to Rahman’s remarks, linking the issue to what the composer described as a possible “communal thing” and broader changes in the film industry.
For those unaware, AR Rahman recently said that work from Hindi cinema has slowed down for him over the last eight years. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the composer clarified that he has not faced discrimination directly. However, he hinted that shifting power structures in Bollywood and wider social factors may have played a role.
Waris Pathan REACTS To AR Rahman Blaming Communal Bias For Losing Work In Bollywood
Reacting to reports quoting Rahman, Waris Pathan said the composer’s comments deserve serious thought. Speaking on Friday (January 16), Pathan stressed Rahman’s credibility and global standing. “AR Rahman is an internationally acclaimed, renowned music composer. If he said this, then it should be thought about. I have not heard or read his statement. We too are saying the same thing. Ever since the BJP came to power, only one thing has been seen. They are spreading hatred.”
Pathan further connected Rahman’s observations to what he called growing polarisation in the country. He claimed that several incidents involving minorities reflect this trend. “The hatred has spread so much due to polarisation that madrasas are targeted, mob lynching is done in the name of Jai Sri Ram, mob lynching is done under the false pretext of beef being carried. Their hateful people speak nonsense against Muslims. This is a result of the hatred spread by Muslims, that such a renowned composer is saying such things.”
According to Pathan, this atmosphere may explain why even a globally respected figure like Rahman would speak about losing work opportunities in Bollywood, even if the issue has not been faced openly.
What AR Rahman Said
During the interview, Rahman took a calm and reflective approach. He explained that he often hears about projects falling through indirectly. The composer said, “It comes to me as Chinese whispers.”
He also made it clear that he does not actively seek work. Rahman said, “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 the 1990s, Rahman said he never felt any bias during his early years in Hindi cinema. He said, “Maybe I didn’t get to know all this stuff. Maybe God concealed all this stuff.” However, he added that the past eight years feel different due to what he described as POWER SHIFT.
Rahman also noted that decision-making has moved into the hands of people he called “not creative”. While he does not face discrimination directly, he recalled instances where projects were discussed with him but later reassigned. He said. “They booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers.”
His Current Work Front
Despite the debate, Rahman continues to work on major projects. He has composed music for Vijay Sethupathi’s upcoming silent film Gandhi Talks, which releases on January 30. He is also scoring music for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana in collaboration with Hans Zimmer. The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
