‘Convert back to Hinduism’: Anup Jalota’s shocking advice to AR Rahman after composer’s communal bias claim

Earlier, Kangana Ranaut slammed Rahman for being “blinded” by “hate,” while playback singer Shaan also reacted by saying that artists not getting work at times has nothing to do with religion.

What triggered the controversy?

During an interview with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman spoke about losing work and linked it to a shift in power within the industry.

He said, “Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened, and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also, but it is 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.’”

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In the same interview, Rahman also described Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava as a divisive film.

“It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but the core of it is to show bravery. I had asked the director, ‘Why did he need me for this film?’ But he said that they needed only me. It is an enjoyable film, but people are smarter than that. Do you think people are going to get influenced by movies? They have an internal conscience that knows what is truth and what is manipulation,” he said.

Rahman’s daughter reacts

Amid the growing backlash, Rahman’s daughter Raheema broke her silence and shared a strong message on social media. She wrote, “They don’t have time to read the Bhagavad Gita, the Qur’an or the Bible — the sacred words that teach love, peace, discipline, and truth. But they have all the time in the world to argue, mock, provoke, abuse, and disrespect each other.”

She further added, “This isn’t religion. This is what blind society, half-baked education, toxic politics, and broken parenting have created — a generation more loyal to hate than to humanity.”

Rahman clarifies his stance

Following the backlash, AR Rahman released a video statement clarifying his position.

He said, “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. I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create in a space that allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices.”

He added, “I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Ho.”

AR Rahman’s work in the past eight years

AR Rahman has been associated with several major projects across languages in the last eight years. His notable works include Mom (2017), 2.0 (2018), Bigil (2019), Dil Bechara (2020), Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 and 2, Atrangi Re (2021), Mili (2022), and Pippa (2023), Chamkila and Tere Ishk Mein. He also contributed to Animal alongside other composers. Currently, Rahman is gearing up for one of Bollywood’s most ambitious projects — Ramayana along with Hans Zimmer.