AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ remark ignites debate, Javed Akhtar and Shobhaa De react

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman recently found himself at the centre of a heated conversation after suggesting that he has received fewer opportunities in Bollywood over the past eight years. While reflecting on shifting dynamics in the Hindi film industry, Rahman hinted that changing power centres and possibly communal factors may be at play.

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Rahman on Power Shifts and Quiet Distance

During an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked whether bias exists in Bollywood, particularly against artists from outside Maharashtra or from the Tamil community. He clarified that he never directly experienced discrimination, but speculated that subtle changes could have influenced his career trajectory.

He said, “Maybe I never got to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this. Maybe in the past eight years, 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."

He added, "It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their 5 composers. I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.” 

Social Media Backlash Follows

After the interview clip went viral, a section of social media users strongly criticised Rahman, questioning both his interpretation and the implications of his statement.

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Javed Akhtar Disagrees Strongly

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar dismissed the idea that Bollywood has become communal. Speaking to India Today, he expressed disbelief that Rahman would even frame such a thought.

He said, "I don't agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this. Rahman is a great composer, and a lot of people respect him. But they are scared to reach him because he is so big. They are scared to talk to him and handle him. It's a wrong assumption, though. It is out of awe and fear of him that people keep away... that humare bas ka nahi hai, yeh toh bohot bada aadmi hai (he is a big shot)."

Shobhaa De Calls the Remark ‘Dangerous’

Author and columnist Shobhaa De also weighed in at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026. Quoted by ANI, she warned against drawing such conclusions about Bollywood.

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She said, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don't know why he's made it; you should ask him. But I've been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I've 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's no question of religion being a factor, that they're not giving you a chance."

"So, what he's saying, he's such a successful man, he's such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him," she added.