AR Rahman Breaks Silence on Bollywood Row: "Intentions Can Be Misunderstood"

On Sunday, Rahman took to his Instagram account to share a video message. In the clip, he did not directly address the controversy but spoke about his bond with India, music, and culture.

In his video message, the Oscar-winning composer shared how music has always been his way of staying connected with people and traditions. He went on to add that "intentions" can sometimes be "misunderstood", but his purpose has always been to serve through music.

"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," Rahman said.

"I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices," he added.

"From nurturing Jala, presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Ruhi Noor, to collaborating with young Naga musicians to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and building Secret Mountain, India's first multicultural virtual band, to the honor of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose. I remain grateful for this and committed to music that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Bharat," he further said.

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The controversy began when Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, said that work from the Hindi film industry had slowed down for him in recent years and linked this to changes in the industry over the past eight years. After that interview, reactions came from both fans and film personalities.

Among those who reacted was actor Kangana Ranaut. On Friday, she took to her Instagram account and shared a long note. In the post, Kangana spoke about feeling "prejudice" and "partiality" in the industry.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Ranaut claimed that Rahman refused to meet her or work on the music for her directorial film, Emergency, because he allegedly considered it a "propaganda film." "Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you. 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 a part of a propaganda film," wrote Ranaut.

- ANI