AR Rahman Responds to Backlash Over Communal Bias Comment: “My Purpose Was to Uplift, Not Hurt”

Music maestro AR Rahman has responded to the controversy triggered by his recent remarks on alleged communal bias within the Hindi film industry, clarifying that his words were never meant to hurt sentiments.

After days of online criticism, the Oscar-winning composer chose to address the issue directly through a video message, stressing his deep connection with India and his lifelong commitment to music as a unifying force.

Rahman issues video clarification amid backlash

Taking to Instagram, Rahman underlined that music has always been his way of celebrating culture and building connections. He emphasised that India has remained the centre of his personal and creative life, and any suggestion that he intended harm was misplaced.

"Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain and I hope my sincerity is felt," Rahman said.

He also spoke about feeling fortunate to work in a country that values creative freedom and embraces diverse voices, adding that such an environment has shaped his artistic journey over the years.

Composer reflects on projects that shaped his purpose

Looking back at his recent work, Rahman highlighted several initiatives that he believes reaffirmed his role as an artist committed to inclusivity and cultural growth.

"From nurturing Jala presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with the young Naga musicians, to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, also building Secret Mountain, India's first multicultural virtual band and the honour of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose," he added.

He concluded the message by expressing gratitude to India and reiterating his resolve to create music that, in his words, "honours the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future."

Remarks on 'shifting power dynamics' spark debate

The controversy began after Rahman, in a recent interview with BBC Network, spoke about a slowdown in work from the Hindi film industry. He attributed this to "shifting power dynamics" over the past eight years and possibly to what he described as "a communal thing."

Rahman said the reasons often reached him indirectly. "It comes to me as Chinese whispers," he noted.

Explaining further, he 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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family.'"

Industry voices reject communal angle

Several prominent figures from the film and music industry responded by dismissing the idea of communal bias. Writer Shobhaa De termed the comment problematic, saying, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don't know why he has made it, you should ask him."

Drawing on her long association with Bollywood, she added, "I have been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I have seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don't have talent, there is no question of religion being a factor that you are not getting a chance."

Singer Shaan also denied any communal or minority bias. "I have been singing for so many years and I am also not getting much work. But I don't go into it much because I feel it is a personal thing. Everyone has their own thoughts and likes. And how much work we should get is not in our hands," he told IANS.

He added, "Whatever work you get, do it well. Whatever work Mr. Rahman gets, it is his signature style. It is amazing that he is a composer and his fans have not decreased, they are increasing."

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar echoed similar views, saying, "I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him. Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him. But I don't think there is any communal element in this."