Archive · 19 Jan 2026
AR Rahman Sparks Debate on Bollywood Work Slowdown
AR Rahman, a famous music composer, said he has gotten fewer job offers in Bollywood in the last eight years.
He thinks this might be because of changes in who has power in the industry and maybe because of communalism.
Some people, like Javed Akhtar, disagree and say there is no communal bias, but rather scheduling issues and a divide between creative talent and decision-makers.
Others, like Mehbooba Mufti, say Rahman's concerns are real.
Chinmayi Sripada and Paresh Rawal defended Rahman, saying he often sings patriotic songs and is a pride of the nation.
Kailas Menon condemned the hate speech against Rahman, highlighting his contributions to Indian music.
Rahman later said he didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings and that India is very important to him.
He also talked about his recent work and projects.
Shankar Mahadevan offered a nuanced perspective, focusing on the creative and business dynamics of the industry.
AR Rahman attributed a slowdown in Bollywood work to possible communal bias and shifting power dynamics.
Javed Akhtar dismissed Rahman's concerns, attributing the work slowdown to scheduling issues and the divide between creative talent and decision-makers.
Mehbooba Mufti criticized Akhtar, stating his views contradict the realities faced by Indian Muslims.
Chinmayi Sripada and Paresh Rawal defended Rahman, clarifying he sings patriotic songs and is a pride of the nation.
Kailas Menon condemned hate speech against Rahman, emphasizing his contributions to Indian music and culture.
- Who
- AR Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Mehbooba Mufti, Chinmayi Sripada, Paresh Rawal, Shankar Mahadevan, Kailas Menon, Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman
- What
- Debate on communalism in Bollywood and AR Rahman's remarks on reduced work opportunities
- When
- Recent comments made in a BBC interview, followed by clarifications and reactions
- Where
- India, specifically Bollywood and political circles
- Why
- AR Rahman's perception of a shift in power dynamics and possible communal bias in the industry
AR Rahman and Supporters
Critics and Counterarguments
Communal Bias in Bollywood
AR Rahman and Supporters
AR Rahman and his supporters believe there is a communal bias in Bollywood, leading to fewer opportunities for certain artists.
Critics and Counterarguments
Critics like Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan argue that the slowdown in work is due to scheduling issues and the divide between creative talent and decision-makers, not communal bias.
Reactions to Rahman's Remarks
AR Rahman and Supporters
Supporters like Chinmayi Sripada, Paresh Rawal, and Kailas Menon defend Rahman, highlighting his patriotic contributions, love for India, and the importance of freedom of expression.
Critics and Counterarguments
Critics like Mehbooba Mufti argue that Javed Akhtar's views contradict the realities faced by Indian Muslims, while others focus on the creative and business dynamics of the industry.
- AR Rahman's Recent Work
- Tere Ishq Mein, Chhava, JHALAA, Rooh-e Nor, Ramayana
- Javed Akhtar's Stance
- Denies communal bias in Bollywood, attributes work slowdown to scheduling issues
- Mehbooba Mufti's Criticism
- Accuses Javed Akhtar of contradicting realities faced by Indian Muslims
- Chinmayi Sripada's Defense
- Defends Rahman, clarifies he sings patriotic songs in concerts
- Shankar Mahadevan's View
- Highlights the divide between creative talent and decision-makers in the industry
- Paresh Rawal's Reaction
- Expressed love and support for AR Rahman, calling him a 'pride' of the nation
- Kailas Menon's Statement
- Condemns hate speech against Rahman, emphasizes his contributions to Indian music and culture
- Rahman's Clarification
- India is his inspiration, never intended to cause pain through his remarks
Sources
‘Never wished to cause pain’: AR Rahman after remarks about ‘communal’ change spark row
AR Rahman after BBC interview backlash—‘India is my inspiration, never wished to cause pain’
Chinmayi Sripada Reacts To Claims Alleging That AR Rahman Refused To Sing Vande Mataram In An Interview
Javed Akhtar's remarks on Rahman's concerns not in sync with reality of Muslims: Mehbboba
AR Rahman controversy: ‘I never wished to cause pain,’ says composer while addressing communal bias remarks
Paresh Rawal reacts to AR Rahman's clarification video amid ongoing controversy over communal bias
Mehbooba Backs AR Rahman's Communalism Remark After Javed Akhtar Reacts
Javed Akhtar’s remarks on Rahman’s concerns not in sync with reality of Muslims: Mehbooba
AR Rahman claims people gaslighted him into believing he wasn’t doing good work anymore: ‘Two Oscars can be a burden’
'You are our pride': Paresh Rawal reacts to AR Rahmans response amid backlash over Bollywood remarks
Paresh Rawal Reacts To AR Rahman's Clarification Video Amid 'Communal' Remark Controversy: "You Are Our Pride"
A R Rahman clarifies after communal remark row
Four Films REJECTED By A R Rahman: Ek Tha Tiger To Jawan
After backlash, 'lucky' AR Rahman changes tune, clarifies ‘communal’ bias remark on Bollywood
'Gandhi Talks' producer and actor Meerra Chopraa on AR Rahman's communal row: 'Only two Indians have truly taken India to the global stage- Priyanka Chopra and...'
‘You are our pride’: Paresh Rawal backs AR Rahman amid Bollywood blowback
Kangana Ranaut recalls ‘unpleasant’ experience amid ongoing controversy
‘I can write Ram aartis’: Why Javed Akhtar is clashing with AR Rahman over Bollywood’s ‘communal’ shift
Amid "Communal" Remark Row, AR Rahman Releases New Track Mayile From Prabhu Deva's Moonwalk
AR Rahman’s Daughters React As Malayalam Composer Calls Criticism Against Him In Communal Row ‘Hate Speech’
Author Taslima Nasreen Reacts To AR Rahman's 'Communal' Remark: "The Rich And Famous Never Face Difficulties"
AR Rahman’s remarks on communal bias in Bollywood divides film fraternity - Telegraph India
Paresh Rawal backs AR Rahman amid backlash for his 'communal' remark: 'You are our pride and...'
Shankar Mahadevan Reacts To AR Rahman "Communal" Remark Row: "I Look At It Differently"
AR Rahman's daughters react to criticism, hate speech against composer over his ‘communal’ remark: ‘Dear God…’
Mayile Out Now: AR Rahman Shares a Song From Prabhu Deva’s Moonwalk
‘Disagree, don’t disgrace’: AR Rahman’s daughters break silence as ‘character assassination’ over communal remarks intensifies
AR Rahman’s daughters Khatija and Raheema break silence amid backlash over his comments on communal bias in Bollywood
AR Rahman's Daughters Defend Him Over 'Communal' Remark: "Disagree, Don't Disgrace"
AR Rahman's Daughters Khatija, Raheema Defend Father Amid Backlash Over 'Communal' Remark: That Is His Right
Varun Grover Backs AR Rahman Amid "Communal" Remark Row: 'He Was Forced To Issue Apology'
Rahman On Communal Remark: 'Never Wished To Cause Pain'
'Disagree, Don't Disgrace': AR Rahman's Daughter Khatija Rahman Reacts To 'Communal Thing' Remark Controversy
Bollywood Turning Cold on AR Rahman is Stranger Than Fiction
‘You are our pride’—Paresh Rawal extends support to AR Rahman’s ‘snub’ from Bollywood
AR Rahman controversy: Taslima Nasreen challenges AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ comment; cites Shah Rukh, Salman’s success
