Waheeda Rehman urges peace after Ar Rahman’s communal bias remark, says, ‘this country is ours’

waheed rehman

• Waheeda Rehman urges peace amid debate on A.R. Rahman's Bollywood remarks
• She says work opportunities fluctuate with age and changing industry trends
• Rahman clarified he respects India and did not intend to hurt anyone

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Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s remarks about his work prospects in the Hindi film industry, urging calm and peace amid the discussion. Rahman, in a BBC Asian Network interview earlier this month, suggested that a power shift in Bollywood over the past eight years may have contributed to fewer opportunities coming his way — commenting that it “might be a communal thing also” though “not in my face.”

Speaking with SCREEN, Waheeda said that "this is our nation, live in peace." She also said that she tries "to dig less into it", adding that "these small things happen in every country.” The veteran emphasised that fluctuations in work opportunities are common in any industry and change with time and circumstances.

She said, “So, what to believe and how much to believe? If it’s even true or not. Why should we get involved? At least at my age, I don’t want to get involved with anything or anybody. Apni shaanti se raho, yeh mulk hai humaara, bas khush raho, that’s what I can say (This country is ours, live in peace and stay happy).”

Waheeda noted that shifting work patterns can be influenced by age or changing trends rather than deeper bias, explaining that careers naturally have ups and downs as newer artists and ideas emerge. “Kaam toh upar neeche hota hi rehta hai. Ek umar ke baad, log kehte hain ki bring somebody new or different (your ability to get work changes after a certain age). All this can lead to a few people staying behind. Agar vo bahut oonchaai par pahuche hain aur vo vahin rahenge, unhi ko lenge, aisa bhi toh nahi hota na. Upar neeche hota hi rehta hai, aisi koi nayi baat nahi hai," she concluded.

Rahman’s original comments had sparked widespread debate across Bollywood and social media, prompting reactions from multiple figures in the industry. While some stars defended Rahman’s talent and legacy, others questioned whether the “communal” aspect he referenced was a fair explanation for changing work dynamics. Rahman later clarified in a social media video that he holds deep respect for India and did not intend his words to hurt anyone, stressing that his purpose is always to serve through music.

Also read: Arun Govil slams Ar Rahman’s ‘Communal Bias’ claim, points to Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir as Proof of Bollywood’s inclusivity

Waheeda and Rahman have collaborated on notable films in the past, including Water (2005) and Delhi-6 (2009).