From Javed Akhtar to Manoj Tiwari, celebs reacted strongly to AR Rahman’s 'Communal' bias remark

AR RAHMAN COMMUNAL BIAS COMMENT

• AR Rahman said Bollywood work declined, hinting at possible communal bias
• Javed Akhtar, Shobhaa De, and Shaan rejected Rahman's communal bias claim
• Kangana Ranaut accused Rahman of prejudice after he refused to work on her film

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What did AR Rahman say about Hindi film industry

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman recently set off a debate in the Hindi film world after suggesting in an interview that his work opportunities in Bollywood have declined over the past eight years due to shifting power dynamics and that it 'might have been a communal thing.'

“The past eight years, maybe, 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. 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,” he added.

Rahman clarified later in a video message that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments and expressed deep love for India and its diversity, saying his purpose has always been to 'uplift, honour and serve through music.'

Industry reactions to AR Rahman’s 'communal' remark

Javed Akhtar’s reaction

Javed Akhtar, the veteran lyricist and screenwriter, publicly disagreed with Rahman’s claim, stating that he has “never felt Bollywood to be communal.”

He said, "I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him. Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him. But I don’t think there is any communal element in this. Why don’t you see him? He will definitely come."

Shobhaa De's reaction

Shobhaa De called Rahman’s comment 'a very dangerous comment.' She said, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don’t know why he has made it, you should ask him."

Drawing from her decades-long association with the Hindi film industry, De shared that Bollywood has largely remained free of communal bias, adding, “I have been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I have seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don’t have talent, there is no question of religion being a factor that you are not getting a chance. So, what he is saying, he is such a successful man, he is such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him.”

Shaan's reaction

Singer Shaan also rejected any “communal or minority angle.” He said, “I have been singing for so many years and I am also not getting much work. But I don’t go into it much because I feel it is a personal thing. Everyone has their own thoughts and likes. And how much work we should get is not in our hands,” adding that “whatever work you get, do it well.”

Manoj Tiwari's reaction

Actor-politician Manoj Tiwari added to the pushback saying, “I am very surprised because I am also a fan of his. AR Rahman saab has given some truly outstanding music. But this is how time works — sometimes everything goes well, and sometimes things slow down a lot. Why he made such a statement is beyond my understanding. Everyone wants their films to be hits and their songs to be successful, but I do not agree with his statement.”

Kangana Ranaut's reaction

In contrast, Kangana Ranaut responded sharply to A R Rahman’s remarks on social media, calling him “prejudiced and hateful” and accusing him of refusing to work with her on her directorial project Emergency, which he reportedly dismissed as “propaganda.”

"Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you, I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be a part of a propaganda film," wrote Ranaut.

Also read: Shobhaa De, Shaan, and Javed Akhtar reject communal bias claim after AR Rahman’s remarks called it ‘dangerous’

"Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics, even opposition party leaders sent me fan letters appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach, but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for," wrote Kangana Ranaut.