AR Rahman recently sparked a heated debate after suggesting that shifts in political power may have impacted his relationship with Hindi cinema. The Oscar-winning composer hinted that he may not be getting enough work and later referred to it as a “communal thing,” triggering strong reactions from across the industry. Now, singer Anup Jalota has weighed in, making it clear that he does not agree with Rahman’s assessment.
‘He should become Hindu again and try’: Jalota’s advice
In a video statement, Anup Jalota said, “Music director AR Rahman pehle Hindu the. Uske baad unhone Islam dharm apna liya aur bahut kaam kiya, bahut naam kamaya, logon ke dilon mein bahut achchi jagah banayi. Lekin agar unhein is baat ka vishwas hai ki hamare desh mein Muslim hone ki wajah se unko filmein nahi mil rahi hain music dene ke liye, toh phir woh dobara Hindu ho jaayein. Toh unko yeh vishwas hona chahiye ki Hindu hone ke baad, convert ho jaane ke baad, unko phir se filmein milna shuru ho jaayengi. Yahi toh unka matlab hai. Toh mera salah hai ki woh Hindu ho jaayein aur phir try karein ki unko dobara filmein milti hain ya nahi.”(Music director AR Rahman was earlier a Hindu. After that, he adopted the Islamic faith and did a lot of work, achieved great fame, and made a very special place in people’s hearts. But if he believes that in our country he is not getting films to compose music for because he is a Muslim, then he should become a Hindu again. Then he should believe that after becoming Hindu, after converting again, he will start getting films once more. That is what his meaning seems to be. So my suggestion is that he should become Hindu and then try to see whether he gets films again or not.)Speaking to IANS, Jalota had earlier said, “This is absolutely not true. He has done the work of 25 years in just five years. What more can be said? He has done a lot of work and delivered many excellent projects.”
What AR Rahman actually said about power shifts
In an earlier interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked if he faced prejudice in the Hindi film industry when he started out in the 1990s. He responded, “Maybe I didn’t get to know all this stuff. Maybe God concealed all this stuff. But for me I never felt any of those, but the past eight years, maybe, because the power shift has happened.”He added, “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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, ‘Oh that’s great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family’.”
Industry reacts
Rahman’s comments drew sharp criticism from several quarters. Kangana Ranaut called his remarks “prejudiced and hateful.” Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said he disagreed with the suggestion of communal bias, while Shaan also voiced his disagreement. Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan and Leslee Lewis shared their views as well. Director Imtiaz Ali, however, backed Rahman, suggesting that his words may have been misconstrued.
Rahman issues clarification amid growing backlash
As the controversy intensified, Rahman issued a clarification on social media, stressing that his words were misunderstood. “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.
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