Javed Akhtar reacts to AR Rahman’s claim about the industry becoming communal

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Javed Akhtar reacts to AR Rahman’s claim about the industry becoming communal

Lyricist Javed Akhtar has disagreed with AR Rahman’s claim that communal bias has limited his opportunities in Bollywood. Akhtar suggests that industry insiders’ awe and respect — and perhaps even fear — of Rahman might be the real reason they maintain distance.

Published by Somesh | January 18, 2026

Recently, AR Rahman remarked that he has received far fewer opportunities in Bollywood over the past eight years, attributing the slowdown to what he described as the industry becoming “communal.” WhenIndia Todayapproached lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar for his take, Akhtar suggested that Rahman’s comments may have been misinterpreted.

“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… It is out of awe and fear of him that people keep away,” Akhtar said in an exclusive interview.

Rahman had previously told BBC Asian Network that he had not personally faced discrimination but hinted that industry power shifts could be a factor in fewer opportunities. “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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers… I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work… Whatever I deserve, I get,” he said.

In the same conversation, Akhtar elaborated on his professional principles, highlighting that he refuses to compromise on morality, language, or vulgarity in his work. “One thing I am not willing to compromise with at any cost is vulgarity. Another is bad grammar. If I see either in a project, I walk away. Because of your ignorance, I can’t let my name go on a song with bad language and grammar,” he explained.

This exchange underscores the differing perspectives of two stalwarts of Indian music: Rahman pointing to structural challenges in the industry, and Akhtar emphasizing respect, fear, and personal standards as key dynamics influencing opportunities.