A.R. Rahman, the music wizard who won Oscars for his work, got into a big mess recently. In a chat with BBC Asian Network, he talked about getting less work in Bollywood. He said maybe it’s because power has gone to people who are not creative, and there could be some bias based on community. He even called the movie Chhaava, for which he made music, a divisive film. This made many people upset. Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut hit back hard, saying Rahman is full of hate and turned down her film Emergency because he thought it was propaganda. On social media, folks pointed out how Muslim stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan are doing super well in Bollywood, so where is the bias? Rahman soon put out a video on Instagram to clear things up. He said he never wanted to hurt anyone and India is his everything. This story happened around January 16-18, 2026, and it’s got everyone talking about fairness in the film world. We looked at news from places like The Hindu, NDTV, and Times of India to get the facts right.
Rahman is a big name in music. Born in Chennai, he started young and made hits for Tamil films first. Then he went to Bollywood with Roja in 1992. His songs like Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire won him two Oscars in 2009. He has worked on hundreds of movies, mixing Indian tunes with world sounds. But this time, his words touched a nerve because India is a place where community talks can get heated fast.
What A.R. Rahman Said in the BBC Interview
The whole thing started with Rahman’s interview on BBC Asian Network. He was asked why he is doing less Bollywood films now. Rahman said over the last eight years, things have changed. “People who are not creative have the power now to decide things,” he said. He added that it might be a communal thing, but not straight to his face. It comes as whispers, like they book him but then hire five other music makers. Rahman took it easy, saying it’s good, he gets time with family.
He also talked about the film Chhaava, where Vicky Kaushal plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Rahman did the music for it. But he called it a divisive film. “It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but I think the core of it is to show bravery,” he said. He felt honored to work on a story about such a brave king. This comment made some think he was not happy with the film’s way, even though he joined it.
Rahman did not say anyone was bad to him directly. He said maybe the bias is hidden. But his words made people think he was pointing to some unfair treatment because he is Muslim or from South India. In Bollywood, where big money and egos mix, such talks can spread like fire.
The Backlash Begins
As soon as the interview came out, people started reacting. Many felt Rahman was wrong to say there is communal bias in Bollywood. They said look at the Khans – Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir – all Muslim and top stars for years. How can there be bias when they rule the box office? Social media was full of posts like, “Rahman sir, Bollywood made you big, why complain?” Some called it sour grapes because he gets less work now.
Right-wing groups and Hindutva supporters got angry too. They said Rahman is making India look bad on a foreign channel. Journalist Swati Chaturvedi said on social media that Rahman once refused to sing Vande Mataram or Maa Tujhe Salaam for religious reasons. This added fuel to the fire, making it seem like he does not love the country enough. Many accounts trolled him, saying he should be thankful for all India gave him.
But not all were against him. Some fans said he has a right to speak his mind. They pointed to how South Indian artists sometimes feel like outsiders in Mumbai films. The debate went on for days, with hashtags like #ARRahmanBias and #BollywoodFair trending.
Kangana Ranaut’s Strong Attack
Kangana Ranaut, who is an actor, director, and BJP MP, jumped in with a sharp post on Instagram. She said she has faced bias because she supports a saffron party, but Rahman is the most prejudiced man she met. “I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you. Forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be part of a propaganda film,” she wrote.
Kangana added that Emergency got good reviews from critics and even opposition leaders, but Rahman was blind with hate. She felt sorry for him. This post went viral, as Kangana is known for her bold talks. Her film Emergency is about Indira Gandhi’s time, and it’s seen as close to her political views. Rahman turning it down made her think it’s because of bias against her.
Kangana has had fights before, like with other stars. But this time, it linked to Rahman’s communal talk, making the row bigger.
Reactions from Other Film Folks
Not just Kangana, others in the industry spoke up. Writer Javed Akhtar said he never felt any communal bias in Bollywood. “I have been here for long, and people respect Rahman a lot. Maybe they think he is busy with concerts abroad,” he said.
Singer Shaan agreed. He said religion does not matter in music. “I also get less work sometimes, but it’s not bias. Good songs win fans,” he added. Shaan praised Rahman’s unique style.
Author Shobhaa De called Rahman’s comment dangerous. “In 50 years, I saw no communal stuff in Bollywood. Talent gets the chance, no matter what,” she said. These voices showed that many think Bollywood is fair, based on skill.
But some supported Rahman quietly. They said the industry has changed with big companies deciding things, and maybe some hidden biases exist.
Social Media and Public Views
On platforms like X and Instagram, the talk was hot. Many shared clips of Rahman’s old hits to say he is a gem for India. Others posted lists of Muslim artists doing well – from Irrfan Khan to Nawazuddin Siddiqui. “If there is bias, how did they rise?” one user asked.
Some said Rahman might be right about power shift. Big studios now hire many composers for one film, leaving out big names like him. But the communal angle made it touchy. Trolls called him ungrateful, while fans said leave him alone, he has given so much.
This shows how fast news spreads online, and how one word can start a storm.
A.R. Rahman’s Clarification
Rahman did not wait long. On January 18, 2026, he posted a video on Instagram. “India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home,” he said. “I understand intentions can be misunderstood. My purpose is to uplift and serve through music. I never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt.”
He talked about his projects that show India’s mix of cultures – like Jhalaa, Rooh-e-Noor, work with Naga musicians, Sunshine Orchestra, Secret Mountain band, and scoring Ramayana with Hans Zimmer. “I feel blessed to be Indian, with freedom to create,” he added. This video calmed some people, showing he loves the country.
Rahman is known for being quiet and spiritual. He changed his name from Dileep to Rahman after becoming Muslim. His music often mixes faiths, like in Bombay or Taal.
His Current and Future Works
Even with this row, Rahman is busy. He is doing music for Ramayana, a big film on the epic story, with Hans Zimmer. This shows he is still in demand for big projects. He also has international works and live shows.
Rahman has done over 300 films, from Lagaan to Rockstar. His style brings soul to songs. Fans hope this mess does not stop his magic.
Why This Matters for Bollywood and India
Bollywood is India’s big soft power, showing our stories to the world. But talks of bias make people think if it’s really fair. In a country with many religions, such words can divide. Yet, stars from all backgrounds succeed, like Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone.
This row asks: Is there hidden unfairness? Or is it just business changes? Experts say talk openly to fix things. Rahman starting the chat might help make the industry better.
In the end, music unites. Rahman’s songs like Dil Se or Kun Faya Kun show that.
FAQs
What did A.R. Rahman say exactly in the BBC interview?
In the BBC Asian Network chat, Rahman said work slowed because power went to non-creative people. “This might have been a communal thing also but not in my face,” he said. For Chhaava, he called it divisive but core is bravery. He heard whispers about being dropped for other composers.
Why did Kangana Ranaut attack Rahman?
Kangana said Rahman refused to meet her for Emergency, calling it propaganda. She called him prejudiced and hateful. She posted on Instagram that even with her support for a party, she faced bias, but Rahman was worse.
Is there really bias in Bollywood?
Many say no, pointing to Muslim stars like the Khans ruling. Javed Akhtar and Shaan said talent wins, no communal stuff. But some feel South artists or outsiders face issues. It’s a debate.
What was Rahman’s clarification?
In a video, he said India is his home and he never wanted pain. He listed projects showing multicultural love, like Ramayana. “My sincerity should be felt,” he said.
What is Chhaava about and why divisive?
Chhaava is on Chhatrapati Sambhaji, a historical hero. Rahman said it cashes on divisiveness but shows bravery. Some see historical films as pushing certain views.
Has Rahman faced such rows before?
Not big like this, but he has spoken on music and faith. He once said AI in music worries him. He stays away from fights mostly.
What next for Rahman?
He is on Ramayana with Hans Zimmer, and more. Fans wait for his tunes.