VHP leader urges AR Rahman 'ghar wapsi' to Hinduism for more Bollywood work

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (V.H.P) has come out criticizing Oscar winner and music director A.R. Rahman's remark that some communal factors might be the reason for fewer opportunities for him in Bollywood recently. VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said that if Rahman returns to Hinduism (ghar wapsi), he will get more opportunities.

It was in an interview to BBC Asian Network that Rahman said he has been feeling sidelined recently. He said that for the past eight years, he feels like he has become an outsider in Bollywood and opportunities have decreased. When asked about the reasons behind it, Rahman's response was, " 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." He added that he does not chase opportunities, and what he deserves will come to him.

Vinod Bansal came out against Rahman's statement. Bansal accused that Rahman is now standing on the side of people like former Vice President Hamid Ansari. "Ansari is someone who adorned constitutional positions and enjoyed their benefits for about 10 years, and after retirement, spoke disparagingly about India. Rahman is now walking on the same path," Bansal said.

Bansal asked why Rahman, who was once a Hindu, embraced Islam. "Once he was an artist loved by all Indians including Hindus. But now, instead of self-introspection about not getting work, he is blaming the system and tarnishing the film industry. You do 'ghar wapsi', then perhaps you will start getting opportunities again," Bansal mocked. He also added that such political references are not befitting an artist.

In the interview, Rahman had made it clear that rather than complaining about fewer opportunities, he is happy to get more time to spend with family. He also said that he wishes opportunities to come to him through his sincerity.