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New Delhi: In a heated exchange rocking Bollywood's music circles, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has drawn sharp backlash from industry stalwarts over his recent BBC interview. Rahman, known for global hits like Slumdog Millionaire, lamented facing "communal bias" in India, hinting at a "power shift" impacting his career.
Speaking candidly, he referenced recent projects, calling it divisive despite composing its soundtrack for a hefty fee. The Mozart of Madras questioned why professionals like him must navigate such biases, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and victim-playing from peers.
Producer, actor, and director Shashi Ranjan spoke exclusively to TV9 English on AR Rahman's communal bias statement. He said," Friends, I was a bit taken aback after hearing A.R. Rehman's puerile statement to the BBC. I don't know which power shift has affected his career prospects, maybe the Trump administration, as he got an Oscar from America.
So far as India is concerned, he has been doing hit films like Chaava and some other forgettable films with bad, unpopular music, besides doing multiple live events across India and abroad, where he charges big money. So, I really wonder which change he is talking about. Or is it cool these days to criticise your own country in front of Western media, making you a true international talent? It is also cool to criticise a film like Chavva, in which you have given music for a hefty sum after hearing the film's story, I'm sure, since you claim to be a true professional.
You call it divisive. Hypocrisy to the hilt. So, what is this outcry for? I feel that with all your worldly recognitions, Mr Rehman, you are not a Naushad or Shankar Jaikishan or an L.P. or an R.D. Burman; the list is very long. With all your talent, you still do not have more than 50 hit Hindi songs. Maybe your inventive music is repetitive and boring now. Maybe your eccentric way of composing songs is not going down well with the new generation of makers. Maybe your fee is way too high compared to your delivery. Maybe you should stop playing the victim card and ponder on your own inadequacy rather than making divisive statements about the industry and country that has given you everything.''
Echoing the sentiment, veteran music composer Daboo Mallik told TV9 English exclusively: "Film industry is beyond divisive rules … here only boxoffice magic works." Mallik dismissed communal angles, emphasising commercial success over politics in music placements.
The row underscores deepening fault lines in Indian cinema amid rising nationalism debates. Rahman, with over two decades of accolades including double Oscars and Padma Bhushan, has scored blockbusters like Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar, and Ponniyin Selvan.
The controversy questions whether Western media critiques boost international cred or betray roots. Will this impact Rahman's future gigs in a box-office-driven industry?
