Ismail Darbar Challenges A.R. Rahman's Communalism Allegation in Bollywood
Music composer A. R. Rahman recently ignited a heated debate by asserting that he has been receiving fewer opportunities in Bollywood, implying that the industry has grown increasingly "communal." This statement elicited a spectrum of reactions from the film community, with some endorsing his viewpoint and others vehemently opposing it.
Darbar's Historical Rebuttal to Rahman's Claim
Now, fellow composer Ismail Darbar has entered the fray, offering a forceful counterargument. In an interview with Subhojit Ghosh on his YouTube channel, Darbar dismissed Rahman's assertion, contending that the annals of Hindi cinema directly contradict such a notion. He highlighted legendary figures to bolster his case, stating, "If the industry was communal then, no Muslim in this country would have become a star. There would have not been Ismail Darbar, Naushad or Dilip Kumar. They wouldn't have become stars if this was the case."
Darbar referenced icons like Dilip Kumar, born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, and the revered composer Naushad to emphasize that talent, not religion, has historically been the primary determinant of success in Bollywood. He directly refuted Rahman's remarks, adding, "It is all about talent and your fate."
Personal Dig and Past Criticisms Resurface
Darbar further took a sharp personal dig at Rahman, questioning, "Also, what deficiency do you have in life that your stomach is not getting filled. The God has given you everything, so live nicely. You are very talented, you design sound very nicely. You don't make good songs, but you are a good sound designer."
This is not the first instance of Darbar publicly criticizing Rahman. In 2011, following Rahman's Academy Award win for his music in Slumdog Millionaire, Darbar had questioned the merit of the accolade. He remarked, "I just don't understand how the music for that movie won the prestigious award. What was Oscar-worthy about it? Nothing. I would have been happy had he won it for films like Roja or Bombay but not for Slumdog. He did not deserve it. Aur, mujhe pata hai ki ise kharida gaya hai (And, I know that it has been bought)."
Rahman had responded to that accusation at the time with a simple retort: "Oscars cannot be bought."
Broader Implications for Bollywood's Cultural Landscape
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions and debates within the Indian film industry regarding representation, opportunity, and perceived biases. Key points from the controversy include:
- Rahman's initial claim of reduced Bollywood work due to communalism.
- Darbar's historical argument citing Muslim stars and composers as evidence against systemic bias.
- The personal and professional criticisms exchanged between the two renowned composers.
- The revival of past disputes, such as the 2011 Oscar controversy.
This incident highlights how artistic disagreements can escalate into broader discussions about industry dynamics, with implications for how Bollywood is perceived both domestically and internationally. The dialogue continues to resonate, reflecting deeper questions about identity and merit in one of the world's largest film industries.
