Mehbooba backs Rahman as he clarifies 'communal' remark amid backlash

AR Rahman responded amid a rift over his remark that there could be a 'communal thing' affecting his work in recent years. In a video posted on Instagram, the Oscar-winning composer said India is his inspiration, teacher and home, and that while intentions can be misunderstood, his purpose has always been to uplift and serve through music. Maa Tujhe Salaam and Vande Mataram footage from a cricket match closed the clip, underscoring his vow to keep his craft tied to national spirit.

The comments triggered reactions from several quarters. Mehbooba Mufti publicly backed Rahman’s point about shifting dynamics in Hindi cinema, while others including Javed Akhtar weighed in on the debate. Some critics and political voices questioned whether a perceived communal bias could influence opportunities for artists. The conversation touched on how industry power structures might intersect with social and political currents.

Rahman's remarks also resurfaced discussions from a BBC Asian Network interview in which he described a film project he worked on as divisive, explaining why he still chose to be part of it. Separately, public figures such as Kangana Ranaut weighed in with allegations of bias, emphasizing the intensity of the discourse surrounding his comments. Rahman has since addressed these claims and reiterated that his statements were not aimed at harming anyone.

The dispute has intensified scrutiny of representation in Bollywood and the vulnerability of public narratives around success and identity. Some supporters argue that industry dynamics are influenced by broader social currents, while others caution against elevating a single comment into a sweeping generalisation. As of now, no new projects have been publicly announced, but Rahman’s fans remain supportive as he continues to work on new music and collaborations.

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