Ram Gopal Varma Counters AR Rahman's 'Communal' Bollywood Remark
Controversy continues to swirl within the Indian film industry after legendary composer A R Rahman sparked intense debate with his recent remarks suggesting that the Hindi film world may have become "communal" in recent years. The music maestro's comments have triggered widespread discussion across social media platforms and industry circles, with one of the most prominent responses coming from veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma.
Varma's Commercial Logic Argument
In a detailed podcast interview with Faridoon Shahryar, Ram Gopal Varma firmly rejected the notion that religion or communal identity drives hiring decisions in Indian cinema. "I don't really want to make a comment on what he said about the communal aspect. Because I do not believe that. I feel that the film industry is only about making money," Varma stated unequivocally.
The filmmaker elaborated that commercial success dictates all decisions in the entertainment business. "Whoever makes money for them, they will go after that. They don't care about your caste, religion -- or where you're from. If the South Indian film directors are making films which are blockbusters, they will go to them," he explained, emphasizing the industry's profit-driven nature.
Historical Examples Supporting Commercial Theory
To substantiate his argument, Varma cited the example of the late legendary singer S P Balasubrahmanyam, whose phenomenal success in blockbuster Bollywood films demonstrated how commercial viability transcends regional or linguistic barriers.
"When SP Balasubrahmanyam was taken for Maine Pyaar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hai Koun by Sooraj Barjatya, those songs were big hits, which is the reason they took them. The moment he was not there, the other songs weren't working. It could be a Hindi guy or a Telugu or Tamil guy; it doesn't make a difference," Varma pointed out, highlighting how hit songs rather than background determine opportunities.
The filmmaker reiterated his core philosophy: "Hits decide everything" and "The film industry is only about making money." He argued that studios and producers prioritize financial success above any consideration of an artist's personal background or identity.
Respecting Rahman's Personal Experience
Despite his strong disagreement with the communal characterization of Bollywood, Varma was careful not to dismiss Rahman's personal experiences entirely. He acknowledged that individual situations might differ from broader industry patterns.
"I can't speak for Rahman's personal experiences. Having said that, I can't speak for Rahman because I don't know the experiences that he has had. Any one of us could speak in general, but it is possible for someone to go through something specific, which has made them talk like that. Is it a general thing, or was it something that happened to him? Not knowing these things, I can't make a comment on them," Varma stated with measured consideration.
Rahman's Original Controversial Remarks
The controversy originated during Rahman's interview with the BBC Asian Network, where the Oscar-winning composer reflected on changing power dynamics in Bollywood over the past eight years. He hinted that these shifts "might be a communal thing also", though he noted it was "not in my face."
Rahman elaborated: "Maybe I never get to know of this, maybe it was concealed but I didn't feel any of this. 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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers."
The music legend maintained a philosophical perspective, adding: "I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search of work. I don't want to go in search of work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get."
These remarks quickly ignited widespread attention and strong reactions across social media platforms and within the film industry itself, setting the stage for the ongoing debate about inclusion, opportunity, and commercial realities in contemporary Indian cinema.
