New Delhi: Oscar winning composer AR Rahman has said his work in the Hindi film industry has reduced in recent years, linking the slowdown to a power shift within Bollywood and a possible communal bias operating indirectly.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman said he did not face prejudice during his early years in the 1990s. He recalled a welcoming phase when his work crossed regional boundaries and entered mainstream Hindi cinema. He said changes over the past eight years altered decision making structures, with non creative figures holding influence.
Rahman said the exclusion does not appear openly. He described hearing indirect messages where projects were discussed, followed by music companies choosing other composers. He said such experiences reach him through informal channels rather than direct rejection.
The composer said he does not chase assignments and prefers work to arrive through trust in his craft. He viewed reduced professional engagement as time gained with family. Rahman also spoke about his journey as one of the earliest South Indian composers to find space in mainstream Hindi cinema. He recalled Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se gaining recognition, while Taal turned him into a household name across north India.
He shared advice from filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who urged him to learn Hindi. Rahman said he went further and studied Urdu due to its deep link with classic Hindi film music.
Rahman also addressed criticism over his work in Chhaava, calling the film divisive while noting its attempt to portray bravery.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti supported Rahman’s remarks. She said Bollywood reflects social realities and dismissing such experiences denies the truth faced by Muslims. Lyricist Javed Akhtar disagreed, saying Rahman commands respect and people might assume he remains occupied with international projects.
