Archive · 17 Jan 2026
AR Rahman's Communal Bias Claims Spark Industry Debate
A famous music composer named A R Rahman said he thinks some people might not be giving him work in Hindi movies because of his religion.
He mentioned this in an interview and said that people who are not very creative are now in charge.
Another famous person, Javed Akhtar, disagreed and said that the movie industry does not have any bias against anyone's religion.
A movie singer, Shaan, also said he doesn't get much work but doesn't think it's because of religion.
A well-known writer, Shobhaa De, called Rahman's comments 'dangerous' and said Bollywood has always been fair.
Other musicians talked about how the industry has changed and how important it is to focus on creativity.
Everyone agreed that Rahman is a great composer and his fans love his music.
AR Rahman suggested communal bias and changing power dynamics may be reducing his work in Hindi cinema.
Javed Akhtar denied communal bias, attributing reduced work to Rahman's international commitments and stature.
Shaan and Shobhaa De also denied communal bias, emphasizing Bollywood's secular history and personal preferences.
Hariharan and Leslie Lewis noted industry corporatization, stressing the need for creative control.
Critics argued that Rahman's claims are speculative and not supported by evidence, with many Muslim artists thriving in Bollywood.
- Who
- A R Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Shaan, Shobhaa De, Hariharan, Leslie Lewis
- What
- Debate over communal bias in Hindi cinema and reasons for Rahman's reduced work
- When
- During a recent interview with BBC Asian Network and subsequent reactions
- Where
- Hindi cinema industry, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026
- Why
- Rahman's remarks about reduced work and changing power dynamics, critics' counterarguments
AR Rahman's Perspective
Critics and Counterarguments
Communal Bias in Bollywood
AR Rahman's Perspective
AR Rahman suggests that a 'power shift' and 'communal thing' may be reducing his work in Hindi cinema, attributing it to non-creative decision-makers.
Critics and Counterarguments
Critics argue that Bollywood has historically been secular and Muslim-inclined, with many Muslim artists thriving. They believe Rahman's claims are speculative and not supported by evidence.
Reasons for Reduced Work
AR Rahman's Perspective
Rahman attributes the slowdown to industry politics and possible communal bias, though he admits it's not overt.
Critics and Counterarguments
An anonymous filmmaker and critics suggest that Rahman's high demands, delays, and changing industry dynamics are more likely reasons for reduced work.
Perception of Divisive Films
AR Rahman's Perspective
Rahman described the film 'Chhaava' as 'divisive' and questioned its influence on audiences.
Critics and Counterarguments
Critics argue that 'Chhaava' presented historical facts and was not divisive, and that Rahman's involvement in such projects contradicts his claims of communal bias.
- Person Involved
- A R Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Subhash Ghai, Waris Pathan, Shaan, Shobhaa De, Hariharan, Leslie Lewis
- Platform
- BBC Asian Network, IANS, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026
- Reason for Reduced Work
- Communal bias, changing power dynamics, high demands, delays, industry corporatization
- Response from Javed Akhtar
- Denied communal bias in Hindi cinema, attributed reduced work to international commitments and Rahman's stature
- Shaan's View
- Denied communal bias, highlighted personal preferences and industry dynamics
- Shobhaa De's Reaction
- Called Rahman's remarks 'dangerous', emphasized Bollywood's secular history
- Hariharan and Leslie Lewis' Perspective
- Noted industry corporatization, emphasized need for creative control
- Rahman's Career Span
- Over 200 films, spanning three decades
- Recent Popular Songs
- Aawara Angara (Dhanush), Saiyara (title track)
Sources
AR Rahman’s ‘Communal Thing’ Remark Sparks Debate
A R Rahman’s claims of losing work to communalising on Bollywood are completely baseless
'BJP Is Spreading Hatred': AIMIM's Waris Pathan Reacts To AR Rahman Blaming 'Communal Thing' For Lesser Work In Bollywood - VIDEO
'Music Does Not Work That Way': Shaan Reacts To AR Rahman's Not Getting Work Comment
AR Rahman’s comment on film industry becoming ‘communal’ is ‘dangerous’, says Shobhaa De: ‘Religion is not a factor in getting work’
'Don’t Know Why He Said It': Shobhaa De Calls AR Rahman’s ‘Communal Thing’ Remark ‘Dangerous’
“This is a very dangerous comment”: Shobhaa De on AR Rahman’s recent remarks on Bollywood
On AR Rahman's "Communal" Remark, Hariharan And Leslie Lewis Say, "Have To Think About Creativity First, Money Later"
Shobhaa De, Shaan And Javed Akhtar On AR Rahman's "Communal" Remark: "This Is A Very Dangerous Comment"
Javed Akhtar says ‘no communal element’ in AR Rahman not getting work in Bollywood; Shaan says ‘3 superstars also belong to minority communities’
From Shobhaa De to Hariharan, celebs react to AR Rahman's 'communal' remark: What did he say? All about controversy
AR Rahman’s BBC interview divides Bollywood. ‘Can’t afford him and a big star together’
'You Are Blinded By Your Hate': Kangana Ranaut Slams AR Rahman For His 'Communal Thing' Remark; Reveals He Refused To Meet Her For Emergency, Calling It 'Propaganda Film'
AR Rahman Says Him Getting Less Work in Bollywood ‘Could Be a Communal Thing'
‘Could be a communal thing’: AR Rahman says Hindi film industry changed in past eight years
