AR Rahman Sparks Debate with ‘Communal Thing’ Work Loss Claim; BJP, Hindutva Groups Respond

AR Rahman’s Comment on Work Slowdown Sparks Backlash from BJP and VHP

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s recent remark suggesting that his reduced work in Bollywood over the past eight years could be linked to a “communal thing” has drawn sharp reactions from political and religious groups.

In an interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman explained that he had been receiving fewer projects recently, which he attributed to a “power shift” within the Hindi film industry. He said, “People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face,” adding that he often learned about projects through “Chinese whispers.”

Rahman, 59, also emphasised that he was not actively seeking work but preferred it to come to him naturally, reflecting the value he places on sincerity in his craft. He noted his pioneering role as the first South Indian composer to establish a sustained career in Bollywood.

Union Minister Calls Claim ‘Absolutely False’
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy dismissed Rahman’s suggestion that religion had affected his career. Quoted by ANI, he said, “AR Rahman’s comment that he is not getting support in the film music industry because of being Muslim is absolutely false. The country has supported and received him as the number one music director in the country.”

Reddy added that Rahman had been widely respected across communities and that it was “unfortunate” for the composer to frame his career slowdown in terms of religion.

VHP Criticises Rahman
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also reacted strongly. National spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused Rahman of defaming the industry and making “petty statements.” Bansal said Rahman had been adored by audiences nationwide and suggested that instead of blaming external factors, he should reflect on his own choices. He controversially referenced Rahman’s religious conversion, saying, “He was once a Hindu himself. Why did he convert to Islam? Do ‘gharwapasi’ now. Maybe you will start getting work once again.”

Rahman Reflects on Changing Industry Dynamics
Speaking further in the interview, Rahman described how industry decisions often bypassed him, with music companies choosing multiple composers for projects he was associated with. He reflected on his early years in Bollywood, saying he had not felt prejudice in the 1990s but acknowledged that recent shifts in power may have changed the dynamics.

“I’m not in search of work. I want work to come to me; the sincerity of my work to earn things,” he said. “It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, ‘Oh that’s great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family.’”