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Mumbai, January 18, 2026: Comments made by music composer AR Rahman about a perceived decline in professional opportunities within the Hindi film industry have sparked a wide-ranging discussion among artists, writers and actors, drawing varied reactions across the entertainment fraternity.
In a recent interview with an international broadcaster, Rahman reflected on his reduced presence in Bollywood over the past eight years. While clarifying that he had not personally experienced direct discrimination, he suggested that shifts in power structures within the industry may have played a role. He also indicated that creative decisions increasingly appeared to be influenced by non-creative forces, adding that any communal undercurrent, if present, was indirect rather than overt. Rahman maintained that he was not actively seeking work and preferred to focus on personal time, expressing faith that meaningful projects would reach him organically.
The remarks prompted responses from several prominent voices. Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar said he did not agree with the suggestion that the industry had become communal. Speaking in a media interaction, Akhtar stated that Rahman was widely respected but often perceived as unapproachable due to his stature, which may discourage filmmakers from initiating conversations. He described this hesitation as stemming from awe rather than fear or bias.
Author and columnist Shobhaa De also weighed in during an appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival. She described Rahman’s comment as potentially dangerous and said that, in her experience of observing Bollywood for decades, the industry had largely functioned without communal barriers. According to her, talent remained the primary determinant of opportunity, irrespective of religion or background, and she questioned the necessity of framing the issue in such terms.
Actor and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut offered a contrasting perspective, linking Rahman’s comments to her own professional experience. In a social media post, she claimed that Rahman had declined to meet her for discussions related to her film Emergency and had chosen not to associate with the project, allegedly citing concerns about propaganda. Ranaut asserted that the film later received critical acclaim and appreciation from across the political spectrum, expressing disappointment over what she described as personal bias.
The episode has reignited conversations about access, perception and power within Bollywood, highlighting how differing experiences continue to shape contrasting narratives about inclusivity in India’s film industry.
