AR Rahman says he wants to move on from the Chhaava and communal remark controversy after backlash

AR Rahman says he wants to move on from the Chhaava and communal remark controversy after backlash

• AR Rahman says he wants to move on from the Chhaava controversy
• He clarified his remarks were not meant to offend and received family support
• Rahman is promoting his upcoming Wonderment Tour in Chennai

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Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman is looking to put behind him the recent controversy triggered by remarks about the film Chhaava and perceived “communal” bias in Bollywood, saying he wants to “move on” from the episode that drew intense public debate and online backlash.

AR Rahman addressed the issue while promoting his upcoming Wonderment Tour in Chennai, indicating that further explanations may be unproductive because “when you explain, they won’t listen.”

He said, “See, in life you have to prepare. And we have to prepare for everything.”

When Alexander mentioned he felt a little sad that AR Rahman had to outline his achievements and love for the country in his statement, the singer responded. “But you know what, it’s better we move on with something else because people who know you don’t need an explanation. And when you explain, they won’t listen to you, those who don’t…” he said with a chuckle.

The controversy began after AR Rahman, in an interview with the BBC Asian Network, reflected on his career and suggested that over the past eight years his work in the Hindi film industry had declined, possibly due to a shift in power dynamics and what he described as a “communal thing” influencing decisions. Though he clarified that he never faced direct hostility and that the issue was not “in his face,” the comments sparked significant backlash from audiences and industry figures who interpreted them as accusations of bias against Hindi cinema.

He reportedly described the film as “divisive,” a comment that amplified reactions across social media and mainstream news.

Also read: AR Rahman's son AR Ameen on his father's 'communal bias' controversy, says ‘My dad’s legacy has reached a place no one can imagine’

In the weeks after his BBC interview, AR Rahman issued a public clarification, emphasising that he never intended to cause pain and that his comments were not meant to offend anyone. His daughters, Khatija and Raheema, broke their silence to support him, echoing industry voices like composer Kailas Menon, who urged critics to “disagree but not disgrace” Rahman.