AR Rahman's Comments on Bollywood Opportunities Ignite Industry Discussion
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has stirred significant conversation within Bollywood with his recent remarks. In an interview, Rahman revealed that he has received fewer opportunities in the Hindi film industry over the past eight years. He suggested that this decline might stem from the industry becoming more communal in its approach.
Rahman's Interview with BBC Asian Network
During his conversation with BBC Asian Network, Rahman addressed questions about potential bias in Bollywood. Specifically, he was asked if discrimination exists against people from the Tamil community or those outside Maharashtra. Rahman clarified that he never personally faced direct discrimination. However, he pointed to shifting power structures as a possible explanation.
"Maybe I never got to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn't feel any of this," Rahman stated. "Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also but it is not in my face."
He shared anecdotes about hearing whispers that music companies booked him but then hired other composers instead. Rahman expressed a philosophical attitude, saying he prefers work to come to him naturally. "I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I don't want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get," he added.
Industry Veterans React Strongly
Rahman's comments prompted immediate reactions from prominent figures in Bollywood. Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar responded with skepticism and disagreement. In an interview with India Today, Akhtar expressed doubt that Rahman would make such a statement.
"I don't agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this," Akhtar asserted. He offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that Rahman's stature might intimidate potential collaborators. "Rahman is a great composer, and a lot of people respect him. But they are scared to reach him because he is so big. They are scared to talk to him and handle him. It's a wrong assumption, though. It is out of awe and fear of him that people keep away... that humare bas ka nahi hai, yeh toh bohot bada aadmi hai (he is a big shot)," Akhtar explained.
Shobhaa De's Critical Response
Author and columnist Shobhaa De also weighed in on the controversy during the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026. Quoted by ANI, De described Rahman's comments as "a very dangerous comment." She emphasized her long observation of Bollywood, spanning five decades.
"I've been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I've seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood," De declared. She argued that talent, not religion, determines success in the industry. "If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don't have talent, there's no question of religion being a factor, that they're not giving you a chance."
De expressed surprise at Rahman's statement, given his success and maturity. "So, what he's saying, he's such a successful man, he's such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him," she concluded.
Ongoing Debate and Implications
The exchange highlights deeper questions about inclusion and opportunity in India's film industry. Rahman's experience raises concerns about whether systemic changes affect artist access. Meanwhile, Akhtar and De defend Bollywood's reputation as a meritocratic and secular space.
This discussion continues to resonate among industry insiders and observers. It touches on issues of creativity, power dynamics, and communal harmony in one of India's most visible cultural sectors. The contrasting views underscore the complexity of navigating identity and opportunity in contemporary Bollywood.
