Ranvir Shorey Addresses A.R. Rahman's Controversial Bollywood Comments
Actor Ranvir Shorey has publicly responded to the recent controversial remarks made by Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman regarding the Hindi film industry. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman discussed what he described as "shifting power dynamics" in Bollywood over the past eight years, suggesting his work in Hindi cinema has slowed down, possibly due to what he termed "a communal thing." The video quickly went viral, sparking reactions from various figures in the film world.
Shorey's Perspective on Rahman's Claims
While speaking to ANI, Shorey expressed his disagreement with the notion that communal reasons are behind Rahman's reduced work in Bollywood. Instead, the actor pointed to another potential factor, stating, "I don't think so. I've actually heard that he charges a lot. I can't comment on somebody else's life. I don't know why he feels that way. I'm sure he has his reasons." This comment highlights Shorey's view that financial considerations, rather than communal biases, might play a role in Rahman's experiences.
Industry Biases and Personal Struggles
Shorey further elaborated on the broader issue of biases within the film industry, drawing from his own experiences. He emphasized that the challenges he has faced are not communal but rather political and feudal in nature. "But when it comes to bias, I have faced biases that are not communal in nature, but political and feudal. Your career is shaped by how you deal with those biases," he explained.
The actor added that every artist must navigate their own battles in the industry, and attributing struggles solely to one type of bias does not aid career progression. "If I say there are biases against me and that's why I haven't gotten work, that's everyone's struggle. It's about how you build your career despite those biases. If I say that, I'll be told I'm whining. I'm sure there are biases, but I don't think they are all of one kind," Shorey remarked, underscoring the complexity of industry dynamics.
Reactions from the Film Community
Rahman's remarks have ignited a wave of responses from across the entertainment sector. Notably, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut criticized the musician, labeling him as "prejudiced and hateful" in light of his comments against Bollywood. This ongoing dialogue reflects the diverse perspectives within the industry on issues of power, bias, and artistic expression.
As the conversation continues, Shorey's insights offer a nuanced take on the challenges faced by artists, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of industry hurdles.
