Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has defended Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman after the latter’s recent remarks about Bollywood were labelled “communal” by some, saying the comments had been misinterpreted and stretched beyond intent.
Speaking to ANI, Ghai said he had never known Rahman to view the film industry through a religious lens. “I have known AR Rahman since 1994. We still meet and work together. I have never heard him speak about communal differences in the industry,” he said.
Ghai added that Rahman’s body of work reflected inclusivity rather than division. “He believes in spirituality and humanity, not religion. He has written bhajans as well as Sufi songs. What is being said now is being unnecessarily exaggerated. He is not like that,” the filmmaker said, describing the film industry as “the most secular industry” where people “work like brothers”.
The remarks come after Rahman, in an interview with the BBC Asian Network, spoke about a slowdown in work from the Hindi film industry in recent years, attributing it to changes in the industry over the past eight years. His comments sparked debate and drew varied reactions from within Bollywood.
Addressing the controversy, Rahman later released a video message clarifying his intent. He said music had always been his way of connecting with people and traditions, and acknowledged that his words may have been misunderstood.
“Intentions can sometimes be misread, but my purpose has always been to serve through music,” Rahman said. “I have never wished to cause pain. I feel blessed to be Indian, which allows me the freedom to create and celebrate multicultural voices.”
Rahman’s remarks have continued to attract responses from across the industry, with actors Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal and Ranvir Shorey among those who have commented on the issue.
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