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A. R. Rahman’s ‘Communal Bias’ Comment Triggers Political Pushback and Industry Debate

Rahman attributes a decline in Bollywood offers over eight years to a power shift toward non-creative gatekeepers.

Overview

  • In a BBC Asian Network interview, Rahman said fewer Bollywood projects have come his way and suggested a power shift and possibly a communal factor, citing hearsay about music companies choosing multiple other composers.
  • Union minister G Kishan Reddy rejected the suggestion that religion affected Rahman’s career, calling the claim “absolutely false” and noting his broad public respect.
  • VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal attacked Rahman’s remarks and invoked his religious conversion, drawing criticism for urging “gharwapasi.”
  • Industry peers offered contrasting views as Javed Akhtar and singer Shaan ruled out a communal angle, while Hariharan and Leslie Lewis agreed decision-making has tilted toward corporate players with less creative experience.
  • Producer Meerra Chopra publicly supported Rahman’s stature and intent, as actor Kangana Ranaut alleged he had declined a meeting for her film Emergency.