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A.R. Rahman’s ‘Communal Bias’ Suggestion Over Reduced Bollywood Work Meets Political and Industry Pushback

In a BBC interview, the composer linked fewer recent offers to a shift toward non-creative gatekeepers, as insiders point to corporatisation, multi-composer albums and costs.

Overview

  • Rahman told BBC Asian Network he has received fewer Hindi-film assignments over the past eight years and said any communal element he perceives is indirect.
  • He said he does not seek projects and hears of changes second-hand, alleging music companies sometimes replace him with multiple composers.
  • BJP figures rejected the notion of communal discrimination, while Javed Akhtar and Shobhaa De also challenged his framing, and some opposition voices called the claim concerning.
  • Industry professionals attributed reduced demand to non-communal factors such as higher fees, touring commitments, increased corporatisation, multi-composer soundtracks and the rise of newer South Indian composers.
  • Rahman continues to have major projects scheduled, including Gandhi Talks releasing on January 30 and Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana with Hans Zimmer targeted for Diwali 2026.