Overview
- Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the Oscar-winning composer said he has seen fewer Hindi-film offers over the past eight years and suggested non-creative gatekeepers now drive decisions.
- He added that he hears indirectly of projects initially booking him before music companies bring in multiple composers, and he described any communal element as not overt.
- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and other BJP figures publicly disputed his suggestion of bias, arguing the industry rewards talent and citing successful Muslim artists.
- Industry commentary included Javed Akhtar dismissing claims of communal bias and an unnamed producer alleging high fees, demands, and delays as alternative reasons reported by Deccan Chronicle.
- Rahman said he does not seek assignments and prefers select projects, with current work including Gandhi Talks (due January 30) and Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana in collaboration with Hans Zimmer (slated for Diwali 2026).