AR Rahman reflects on being an outsider, reveals losing work in Bollywood: 'Non-creative people have the power now'

In candid reflection recently, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman opened up about his long-standing relationship with the Hindi film industry. Often called as the "Mozart of Madras" and a global icon, Rahman revealed that the last eight years from 2018–2026 particularly have witnessed a noticeable dip in Bollywood projects. The famed composer attributed this shift to the changing power dynamics and the rise of "non-creative" decision-makers.

AR Rahman opens up about "non-creative power" dynamics in Bollywood

Speaking to the BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman didn't mince his words while discussing the current state of the film industry. He noted that over the past eight years, the "agency" in music production has shifted away from composers and directors toward music labels and corporate entities.




"Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now," Rahman remarked.

The composer also revealed the presence of "Chinese whispers" with respect to communal or regional biases, though he noted these are rarely "in his face." He stated, “It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers."

Choosing the higher ground, Rahman said that he has chosen a path of creative peace, "I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work," he added, emphasizing that his sincerity should be what attracts projects, not a desperate chase.

AR Rahman on being an outsider in the indusry

Despite delivering massive and evergreen hits like 'Roja' (1991), 'Bombay', and 'Dil Se..', Rahman admitted to feeling like an outsider. It was with Subhash Ghai directed 'Taal' in 1999 that the composer felt a true sense of belonging.

"Taal became a household album. It entered the kitchens of everybody," Rahman recalled. The album with its timeless appeal was a significant cultural moment of reckoning. It also bridged the gap between his Southern roots and the Hindi listeners, making his presence as pan-Indian.

AR Rahman on learning Urdu and Punjabi

AR Rahman also shared how acceptance did not come from music alone but required him to step up on his command on languages as well. Hailing from a Tamil background, Rahman initially found Hindi difficult to master. But he was encouraged by Subhash Ghai to seek longevity and he chose to learn Urdu. Rahman calls it the "mother of Hindi music" from the golden era. The other language that he learned was Punjabi. His frequent collaborations with Sukhwinder Singh led him to pick up Punjabi, which defined energetic songs like 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' and 'Ramta Jogi.

AR Rahman on work front

On the professional front, AR Rahman's last release as a composer was for Aanand L. Rai's 'Tere Ishk Mein' starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon which was released on November 28, 2025. He has collaborated with Hans Zimmer for 'Ramayana' starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Ravi Dubey.