“AR Rahman Responds to Communal Row: ‘I Never Wished to Hurt Anyone’”

AR Rahman Clarifies Remarks Amid Backlash: ‘Never Intended to Cause Pain’

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent comments on Bollywood, saying his words were misunderstood and never meant to hurt anyone.

The debate began after Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, where he reflected on getting fewer Hindi film offers in recent years. He noted a shift in industry power, commenting that people who are “not creative” now hold influence, and added that it “might be a communal thing.” These remarks sparked strong reactions online and among sections of the film industry.

In a video shared on Instagram, Rahman sought to clarify his intent, emphasizing that music has always been his way of uniting people and celebrating India’s diversity.

“Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our 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,” Rahman said.

He also expressed pride in India’s creative freedom, stating:

“I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create spaces that allow freedom of expression and celebrate multicultural voices.”

Rahman highlighted several of his projects that reflect this commitment: nurturing JHALAA at the Wave Summit, collaborating with young Naga musicians on a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, building Secret Mountain — India’s first multicultural virtual band — and the honour of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer.

The video concluded with Rahman saying Jai Hind and a clip of the Indian cricket team’s 2023 World Cup victory over Pakistan, where the crowd erupted into a rendition of his “Vande Mataram”, underscoring his enduring connection with the nation.