The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly rejected remarks made by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman suggesting that his work opportunities in the Hindi film industry have reduced in recent years due to changing power structures and possibly a “communal thing.”
BJP leaders insisted there is no factual basis to the claim and argued that Bollywood continues to operate on talent and merit rather than religion.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale publicly disagreed with Rahman’s assertions, stating that Muslim artists continue to thrive and enjoy mass popularity across the country.
He cited several leading actors as examples to counter the composer’s claims. He said: "I believe there is no truth to A.R. Rahman’s allegations.
The Hindi film industry has many artists from the Muslim community, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan, who are loved by people in Maharashtra and across India."
BJP MLA Jitendra Kumar Gothwal also dismissed Rahman’s remarks, saying that the film industry has become more transparent in recent years. According to him, earlier systems relied heavily on personal recommendations, whereas now opportunities are increasingly based on ability and performance.
He said: "Although this issue pertains to the film industry, I feel that under the present circumstances, transparent work is being carried out. Earlier, people often got work through recommendations from certain leaders. Now, work is being given on the basis of talent rather than manipulation." He added that Rahman may be uncomfortable with these structural changes.
BJP Minority Morcha president Syed Bhasha echoed similar views, calling Rahman’s claims factually incorrect. He pointed out that Rahman has continued to achieve major success and recognition even under the current political dispensation. He said: "A.R. Rahman reportedly said he hasn’t received opportunities under the BJP government, but that is not true.
Since 1992, he has delivered major hits such as Slumdog Millionaire and Madras Cafe, and has earned awards, including the 2025 National Award for Best Music, purely on merit." He further emphasized that success in cinema depends on audience response and project performance, not political leadership. He added: "Rahman’s talent is unquestionable, and as long as he continues to create great music, recognition will follow."
In contrast, leaders from Opposition parties expressed concern and urged reflection on Rahman’s observations. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan said he would reserve his comments until fully understanding Rahman’s statement. He said: "I have not heard exactly what he said. Once I listen to his exact words and understand the context in which he said them and why he said them, only then will I be able to give a proper response."
Congress leader Husain Dalwai described the matter as deeply troubling. He said: "A.R. Rahman is a great musician and an Oscar winner who is known all over the world. If he is facing difficulties because he is a Muslim, then it is very sad and wrong. Sidelining someone of his stature is a loss not only for the film industry but for the country."
Congress MP Tariq Anwar urged the government to take the issue seriously, warning of broader social consequences. He said: "If he is saying this, it is very concerning. Discrimination against artistes after achieving global recognition is unfortunate. Increasing discrimination will only create hatred among people."
Congress MP Imran Masood also called the issue serious, stating: "If an Oscar-winning artiste is saying this, it should be taken seriously. Being denied work in one’s own country because of religion is a grave concern."
Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung acknowledged that discrimination does occur in certain cases. He said: "Yes, many Muslims do not get work because of their religion. There is no doubt about this, and it should not be hidden. That is why we are working to address and resolve this issue."
General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, stressed that communal bias should have no place in any profession. He said: "Whether it is the film industry or any other sector, no one should face communal discrimination. However, what problems Rahman Sahab is facing and the reasons behind them can be explained best by him alone."
Over the decades, A.R. Rahman has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, creating some of its most iconic musical works and maintaining his influence across generations. In a recent interaction with BBC Asian Network, Rahman spoke openly about how evolving power dynamics within Bollywood have affected the volume of work he receives.
Looking back on his early years in Hindi cinema, Rahman said that despite the success of films like “Roja,” “Bombay,” and “Dil Se,” he often felt like an outsider as a Tamil composer in a largely Hindi-speaking industry.
He explained that it was only after Subhash Ghai’s “Taal” that he truly felt accepted, as the album crossed regional boundaries and became a cultural staple across North India.
Rahman noted that the album’s fusion of Punjabi, Hindi, and folk influences made it so universally appealing that many listeners did not even associate it with a composer whose first language was Tamil.
He also recalled advice from Subhash Ghai to learn Hindi, but instead chose to study Urdu, recognizing it as the foundational language of classic Hindi film music from the 1960s and 1970s.
His linguistic journey expanded further when he learned Arabic due to its phonetic similarities with Urdu and later embraced Punjabi, inspired by his collaboration with singer Sukhwinder Singh.
Addressing whether he faced bias in the 1990s or discrimination against South Indian artists, Rahman said he never directly experienced exclusion during that period. However, he observed that the past eight years have felt different. He suggested that power shifting toward individuals lacking creative sensitivity may have affected opportunities and added that communal elements could also be influencing decisions, though not openly.
Rahman explained that he often hears indirectly about projects where he was initially considered but later replaced due to internal decisions taken by music companies. Despite this, he said he remains calm and philosophical, choosing not to chase work aggressively.
He emphasized that he prioritizes family and personal life and believes sincerity and dedication to his craft ultimately attract the right opportunities. According to Rahman, what is truly meant for him will arrive on its own, without pursuit or compromise.