Subhash Ghai clarifies AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ remarks on Bollywood

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has come out in support of longtime collaborator and Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman amid controversy over.

The latter’s recent remarks that were interpreted by some as “communal” in nature. Speaking to ANI, Ghai said Rahman’s comments had been misunderstood and taken out of context, stressing that he had never known the composer to view the film industry through a religious lens.

“I have known AR Rahman since 1994. We have worked together, met often and remained friends over the years. I have never heard him speak about communal differences in the industry,” Ghai said. “I have always seen him believe in spirituality and humanity, never religion. He has composed bhajans as well as Sufi music. What is being said now is unnecessarily exaggerated. He is not like that.”

Ghai also described the film industry as inherently inclusive. “The film industry is the most secular industry. We work like brothers,” he added.

The clarification comes after Rahman, in a recent interview with the BBC Asian Network, spoke about a slowdown in work from the Hindi film industry over the past few years, attributing it to changing dynamics within Bollywood. His comments triggered debate and drew mixed reactions from across the industry.

Responding to the controversy, Rahman later shared a video message emphasising that his intentions had been misread. He said music remained his way of connecting with people and cultures.

“Intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to 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 allows me the freedom to create and celebrate multicultural voices.”

The composer’s remarks have continued to generate reactions from various quarters, with actors including Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal and Ranvir Shorey also weighing in on the issue.