Oscar-winning music composer A R Rahman, who drew wide criticism over his remark that linked the decline in work he receives in Bollywood to his religious identity, has seen several voices come forward in his support, including his daughters Khatija and Raheema, who referred to Malayalam composer Kailas Menon’s Instagram note titled Disagree, don’t disgrace, while veteran actor Paresh Rawal and stand-up comedian Vir Das Grover also publicly backed the music maestro.
The controversy followed Rahman’s interview with the BBC last week, in which he reflected on how work opportunities in the Hindi film industry had reduced over the past eight years, a period he associated with a shift in power structures, adding that it might also involve a communal dimension, though he stressed that such perceptions reached him only through indirect accounts and not through direct experience.
His remarks triggered sharp reactions online, with critics accusing him of playing a victim card, while supporters argued that he merely articulated a personal experience without making a definitive allegation.
Rahman’s daughters Khatija and Raheema responded by sharing Menon’s post on their Instagram Stories, in which the composer defended Rahman’s right to express his lived reality, while cautioning that disagreement should not descend into abuse or personal attacks. Menon argued that the backlash had crossed the boundaries of legitimate criticism and entered the realm of vilification, with Rahman’s faith and professional legacy being unfairly targeted.
The debate intensified after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised Rahman, describing him as prejudiced and alleging that he had refused to meet her to discuss composing music for her film Emergency, which she claimed had been widely appreciated for its balanced portrayal of events. Ranaut framed her criticism around ideological bias, stating that she herself faced discrimination in the industry due to her political affiliations.
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, however, offered a different perspective, suggesting that Rahman’s stature and global reputation might itself deter filmmakers from approaching him, not due to communal considerations but because of a sense of awe and perceived inaccessibility. His view added nuance to the discussion, shifting the focus from identity politics to industry dynamics.
Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal publicly expressed admiration for Rahman, while Grover suggested that the composer was compelled to issue a clarification to pacify what he described as an increasingly toxic online environment, which, in his view, indirectly reinforced concerns about growing divisiveness.
Author Shobhaa De, speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, disagreed with Rahman’s assessment, asserting that Bollywood had largely remained free of communal bias and that talent, rather than religious identity, determined opportunities within the industry.
In response to the controversy, Rahman released a video clarification, emphasising his deep connection to India, his commitment to multicultural expression, and his intention to uplift through music, while highlighting his ongoing contribution to Indian culture, including his work on Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana adaptation alongside Hans Zimmer.
“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,” he said in the video.
“I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. From nurturing Jhalaa, presented at the WAVES summit in front of the honourable Prime Minister and Rooh-e-Noor, to collaborating with the young Naga musicians, to creating a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine orchestra, also building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band and the honour of scoring Ramayana, alongside Hans Zimmer. Each journey has strengthened my purpose,” he added.