Music maestro AR Rahman has broken his silence following a wave of criticism over his recent comments on Bollywood’s shifting dynamics. In a heartfelt video statement, the Oscar winner reaffirmed his patriotism and explained that his intentions were never to cause division.
To underscore his message, Rahman shared a video featuring a stadium of fans singing along to his iconic anthem,"Maa Tujhe Salaam."He described India as his "inspiration, teacher, and home," emphasizing that his artistic mission has always been to uplift the nation’s multicultural spirit.
"I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music,"Rahman stated.
He highlighted several recent projects as evidence of his commitment to Indian diversity:
The Ramayana:Scoring the epic alongside legendary composerHans Zimmer.
Global Platforms:NurturingJhalaa(presented at the WAVES summit for the Prime Minister) and collaborating withNaga musicians.
Social Impact:Mentoring theSunshine Orchestraand creatingSecret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band.
The controversy stems from an interview withBBC Asian Network, where Rahman was asked if he had faced prejudice as a Tamil composer in Bollywood. While he noted he hadn't felt it personally in the past, his comments on the current state of the industry raised eyebrows:
On Power Shifts:Rahman claimed that over the last eight years, a "power shift" has occurred where "non-creative people" now hold the reins.
On Communalism:He suggested that recent changes"might be a communal thing also,"though he added it was not "in his face."
OnChhaava:The composer was notably critical of the filmChhaava, alleging that the project "exploits divisiveness."
Rahman’s remarks triggered a sharp divide in public opinion. While some praised his honesty, others accused him of playing "identity politics" after years of success. Critics have also pointed to a perceived decline in his musical output, with some arguing his "genius" hasn't been the same since 2015.
By concluding his statement with"Jai Hind"and footage of national pride, Rahman appears to be moving toward damage control. His response highlights the growing tension between creative freedom and the evolving political and social landscape of the Indian film industry.
