Overview
- In a BBC Asian Network interview, the Oscar-winning composer said a recent "power shift" has left "people who are not creative" deciding music hires in Hindi cinema.
- He suggested the slowdown "might be a communal thing," though not overt, and said he often hears of being replaced when music labels appoint multiple composers.
- Rahman said he does not seek assignments and prefers to let opportunities come to him as he prioritizes family and selective work.
- BJP leaders and industry voices, including Javed Akhtar, rejected claims of communal bias and cited the industry's record of widely loved Muslim artists.
- He remains engaged on key projects, scoring Vijay Sethupathi's Gandhi Talks set for January 30 and collaborating with Hans Zimmer on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana for Diwali 2026.