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AR Rahman Breaks Silence on 'Communal' Remark Controversy: "Never Wished to Cause Pain"

Music maestro AR Rahman has issued a clarification via social media following backlash over his remarks about potential communal bias in the Hindi film industry. In an Instagram video, he stated that India is his home and inspiration and that he never intended to cause pain or hurt anyone's sentiments. Rahman reflected on his creative journey, mentioning projects like collaborating with Naga musicians and scoring Ramayana with Hans Zimmer. The controversy stemmed from a BBC interview where he suggested "non-creative" people in power and possible communal factors had limited his Bollywood work.

Key Points: AR Rahman Addresses Backlash Over Bollywood 'Communal' Remark

  • Clarifies controversial 'communal bias' remark
  • Reaffirms India as his home and inspiration
  • Cites limited Bollywood work offers
  • Expresses commitment to multicultural music
2 min read

AR Rahman says 'I never wished to cause pain' on the 'communal' remark controversy

Oscar winner AR Rahman clarifies his controversial remarks on communal bias in Bollywood, stating he never intended to hurt sentiments and reaffirms his love for India.

AR Rahman says 'I never wished to cause pain' on the 'communal' remark controversy
"I have never wished to cause pain and I hope my sincerity is felt. - AR Rahman"

Mumbai, Jan 18

Music maestro A R Rahman has been facing a lot of backlash for his remark on 'communal' bias in the Hindi film industry.

Rahman, who has been subjected to a lot of criticism recently, has now used social media to share his side of the story.

The Oscar-winning composer took to Instagram and uploaded a video sharing that India is not only his home, but also his inspiration and his teacher. He further stated that he never wanted to hurt anyone's sentiments.

Rahman can be heard saying in the video, "Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a culture. 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 added that he feels blessed to be an Indian, which enables him to work in a space that allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices.

Reflecting on his journey, which according to him has also strenghen his purpose, the singer and composer added, "From nurturing Jala presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with the young Naga musicians, to create 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."

Towards the end of the clip, he expressed his gratitude to India and also reiterated his commitment to music that "honours the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future."

During a recent interaction with BBC Asian Network, Rahman spoke about getting limited work offers in Bollywood.

He said, "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."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Honestly, I think he just stated a fact many insiders know. The industry has cliques and biases. It's sad he had to apologize for speaking a truth. #StandWithRahman
A
Aman W
His statement is so graceful. "I never wished to cause pain." That's the mark of a true legend. Meanwhile, the actual people causing pain by sidelining talent get away scot-free.
S
Sarah B
As an outsider looking in, it's fascinating. He's an Oscar winner, globally respected, yet faces this within his own industry. Speaks volumes about the systemic issues he hinted at.
V
Vikram M
With all due respect to his genius, I wish he hadn't walked back his comments. We need voices like his to call out nepotism and bias, be it communal or otherwise. This clarification feels like pressure got to him.
K
Kavya N
His music is a gift to the world. From 'Roja' to 'Slumdog Millionaire', he has put Indian music on the global map. That should be the headline, not this manufactured controversy. ❤️

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