AR Rahman Reveals Communal Bias In Bollywood 2026 

AR Rahman speaks on Bollywood’s power shift and communal bias in a controversial interview.

AR Rahman Reveals

Can the “Mozart of Madras” be silenced by a change in corporate weather? For over three decades, A.R. Rahman has been the undisputed architect of India’s global musical identity.

However, a recent interview with the BBC Asian Network has peeled back the curtain on a darker side of the industry. Rahman didn’t just suggest he was sidelined; he pointed to a communal bias in Bollywood that has allegedly festered over the last eight years—a period he describes as a “power shift” where creative minds lost their seat at the table to non-creative decision-makers.

The “Chinese Whispers” of Bias 

Rahman’s allegations were nuanced but pointed. He described a culture of exclusion where decisions were made behind his back, often resembling “Chinese whispers.”

He noted instances where music companies would fund a film and then suddenly pivot to a five-composer model, effectively pushing him out.

While he initially laughed it off as “God concealing” the negativity from him, he eventually identified a communal undertone to these decisions—not always “in his face,” but undeniably present in the machinery of the industry.

The Paresh Rawal Paradox 

When actor-politician Paresh Rawal shared Rahman’s subsequent clarification video with the caption “You are our pride,” the internet didn’t offer a standing ovation.

Instead, it offered a squint. Because of Rawal’s political standing and comedic history, many users questioned if his support was genuine or a masterclass in sarcasm.

Comments ranged from “Was it a taunt?” to fans admitting they only trust him when he’s playing a comedian. This interaction highlights the impossibility of a neutral conversation when art, religion, and politics collide in the public square.

The Chhaava Critique 

The controversy took an artistic turn when Rahman discussed the 2025 hit Chhaava. Despite being the composer for the project at the director’s special request, Rahman noted that the film capitalized on the theme of “Partition” to drive its narrative, even though its primary goal was to showcase bravery.

His critique of a film he worked on—and which became one of the biggest hits of the year—shows a man who is increasingly at odds with the “branding” requirements of modern Indian cinema.

Truths 

The standard industry defense for hiring multiple composers is “musical diversity,” but Rahman’s experience suggests it is a tool for corporate control over creative vision. 

Furthermore, while fans often think superstars are above the fray, Rahman’s admission proves that reputation is no shield against a systemic shift in power. 

Finally, the most surprising truth is that humility can be a double-edged sword; by “resting” while others took his projects, Rahman inadvertently allowed the “non-creative” power shift to consolidate.

In an emotional video message to his fans, Rahman reaffirmed that India remains his “inspiration, guru, and home.” He isn’t looking for a fight; he’s looking for the soul of the industry he helped build.

As he continues to focus on youth orchestras and global collaborations, the maestro seems determined to make music that respects the past while surviving a turbulent present.

Key Takeaways:

• A.R. Rahman alleged a communal bias and a power shift toward non-creative people in Bollywood over the last 8 years.
• He cited the multi-composer trend as a method used to sideline him.
• Paresh Rawal’s social media support was met with skepticism and accusations of sarcasm.
• Rahman critiqued the 2025 film Chhaava for capitalizing on “Partition” themes.