AR Rahman’s most talked-about controversies: From communal bias remark to rights dispute with Salman Khan’s film

Communal bias remark + Chhaava called divisive (Jan 2026) - AR Rahman sparked a nationwide row after telling BBC Asian Network that he has received far fewer Hindi-film offers in recent years, and that it “might be a communal thing,” though not “in my face.” In the same interview, he called Chhaava “a divisive film” and said it “cashed in on divisiveness,” while adding he felt its core was bravery. After intense backlash, he posted a video saying he never meant to hurt anyone and his intent was misunderstood.

Kangana Ranaut vs Rahman: Emergency “propaganda” claim (Jan 2026) - The controversy widened when Kangana Ranaut publicly attacked Rahman, calling him “prejudiced and hateful” and alleging he refused to meet her regarding music for Emergency because he supposedly labelled it a “propaganda film.” Her statement pulled the debate away from Rahman’s industry comments into a direct, personality-driven clash, with fans picking sides and the discourse becoming more combative. The episode also reignited an old Bollywood pattern: creative disagreements getting framed as ideological battles in public, rather than handled privately.

Vande Mataram / Maa Tujhe Salaam “refusal” allegation (Jan 2026) - A separate flashpoint erupted after a claim went viral that Rahman refused to sing or hum patriotic songs like Vande Mataram or Maa Tujhe Salaam during an interview. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada and others pushed back strongly, saying the narrative was being distorted and pointing to instances where Rahman has performed such songs at concerts. The dispute became a classic internet accelerant: one anecdote turned into a loyalty test, and outrage outpaced verifiable context, forcing responses from multiple corners.

Chennai Marakkuma Nenjam concert mismanagement (Sep 2023) - Rahman’s Chennai concert Marakkuma Nenjam drew heavy criticism after fans reported overcrowding, poor entry management, traffic chaos, and stampede-like conditions. Some accounts also raised safety concerns for women and families in the crowd. While organisers accepted responsibility and issued apologies, Rahman faced anger because the event carried his name and brand promise. Reports said refunds were offered to those who couldn’t enter or had bad experiences, but the incident still dented trust in large-scale concert logistics around marquee artists.

Veera Raja Veera copyright dispute (2023–2025) - A high-profile legal dispute hit Rahman over Ponniyin Selvan 2’s Veera Raja Veera. Classical vocalist Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar alleged the song’s musical foundation matched Shiva Stuti associated with the Junior Dagar Brothers. In April 2025, a Delhi High Court order directed a deposit and credit-related directions, triggering loud debate on originality versus tradition in classical forms. Later reports noted the Division Bench granted relief by lifting/staying aspects of the earlier interim directions, showing the case’s complexity at the intersection of law and music practice.

Fatwa-linked outrage over Muhammad: Messenger of God (2015–2016) - Rahman faced religious-political backlash for composing music for Majid Majidi’s film Muhammad: The Messenger of God. Mumbai-based Raza Academy called for Muslims to reject the film and issued a “fatwa” style call against the project, objecting to depictions related to the Prophet Muhammad, which many Muslims consider taboo. Rahman responded publicly that he did not intend to offend anyone, but the episode highlighted how film work can become a proxy battlefield for theology, identity, and public sentiment, regardless of artistic intent.

Commonwealth Games 2010 anthem backlash (Aug–Oct 2010) - Rahman’s CWG anthem Jiyo Utho Badho Jeeto was released with massive expectations and then met with unusually blunt criticism, including from officials who said it fell short of what they expected from an Oscar winner. The song was later tweaked into a shorter, “peppier” version that reportedly played better as a sports anthem. Rahman also publicly apologised for disappointing people, while defending the pride and intent behind the composition. It became a lesson in how national-event symbolism magnifies artistic reception.

Jai Ho title rights dispute with Salman’s film (Dec 2013–2014) - Rahman reportedly objected to Sohail Khan Productions using the title Jai Ho for Salman Khan’s film, arguing the title was linked to his Oscar-winning song and required permission/licensing. The story made headlines because it wasn’t about a tune, but about branding and rights around a short, common phrase. Reports at the time said legal communication happened, and the film ultimately released after Rahman issued a No Objection Certificate, with accounts suggesting an out-of-court understanding.