My Words Were Misunderstood: AR Rahman Responds to Row Over Communal Remarks

New Delhi: Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman released a video statement on his Instagram account, clarifying remarks he made about subtle communal bias and shifting power dynamics in the Bollywood film industry during an interview with BBC Asian Network. His comments triggered widespread backlash on social media and sparked a broader debate on freedom of speech, expression and dissent.

Rahman said his words had been misunderstood and that he never intended to cause pain. “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music.I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt.

I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. He added.

What sparked the controversy

The controversy began after Rahman spoke candidly about how work from the Hindi film industry has slowed for him in recent years during an interview with BBC Asian Network. He attributed the shift to changing power dynamics over the past eight years. He said that “It might have been a communal thing,” while clarifying that he had never experienced it directly.

“I’m not in search of work. I want work to come to me. the sincerity of my work should earn it, I feel it’s a jinx when I go looking for things.

“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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked me 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.” He added.

The debate intensified further following his remarks on the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, which had drawn criticism for being divisive. Acknowledging the controversy around the film, he said, “It is divisive. I think it cashed in on that divisiveness, but the core of it is to show bravery.”

He also defended audiences, arguing that cinema does not easily manipulate public thinking. “I definitely think people are smarter than that,” he said. “They have an internal conscience which knows what the truth is and what manipulation is.”

Support and criticism pour in

Rahman’s clarification was followed by a wave of support from across the political spectrum and the film fraternity, even as some voices questioned his remarks.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said the composer’s comments reflected a broader social reality, remarking that divisions between communities have been sharpened in recent years for political gains.

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal backed Rahman in a post on X, calling him “We love you sir. You are our pride.”

Lyricist Varun Grover strongly defended the composer, criticising online abuse and a culture of forcing apologies for personal freedom and opinions based on lived-experience. 

The greatest living composer of the last 3 decades got attacked and abused  for stating an opinion in the politest, mildest manner, that too based on his lived-experience. And the very next day forced to issue an apology to calm the toxic mob down. Grover said in a post on X.

Not all reactions were supportive.Novelist and columnist Shobhaa De says, Not all reactions were supportive. Novelist and columnist Shobhaa De criticised Rahman’s remarks, calling them dangerous. “If I have seen any space that is largely free of communal tension, it is Bollywood,” she said. “There is no question of religion being a factor if someone is not getting work. He is such a successful and mature man. Perhaps he should not have said this. Maybe he has his reasons, and those should be examined.”

A wider conversation

The episode has since widened into a broader discussion on freedom of expression, audience sensitivity and the space for dissent in public discourse. Observers note that Rahman’s measured tone both in the original interview and in his clarification contrasts with the intensity of the backlash, highlighting how quickly artistic commentary can turn polarising in the current climate.

For now, Rahman has sought to close the chapter with a reaffirmation of his faith in India’s multicultural fabric. “I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future,” he said, signing off with “Jai Hind” and “Jai Ho.”

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Shoaibur Rahman

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