Overview
- Posting a video on Instagram, the Oscar‑winning composer said he never wished to cause pain and described India as his inspiration, teacher and home.
- In the BBC Asian Network interview that set off the dispute, Rahman said a recent power shift in the Hindi film industry may explain fewer offers and suggested it might have a communal element, though not expressed to him directly.
- Union minister G Kishan Reddy rejected the notion that religion affected Rahman’s opportunities, calling the claim absolutely false, as VHP leaders also criticised the comment.
- Industry voices offered mixed responses, with Javed Akhtar and singer Shaan disputing communal bias and suggesting other reasons such as perceptions of his focus on concerts or international work.
- Rahman underscored inclusive projects including Jhalaa, Rooh‑e‑Noor, collaborations with Naga musicians, the Sunshine Orchestra, the Secret Mountain virtual band, and his score for Ramayana with Hans Zimmer; he has also described the film Chhaava as divisive and called certain uses of religious phrases cringe.