Javed Akhtar reacts to AR Rahman's 'communal' remark, says, 'I don't agree', Shobhaa De calls it a 'dangerous comment'

AR Rahman's recent comments have sparked a discussion in the industry. The Oscar winning composer said in an interview that since the last eight years, he has got lesser opportunities in Bollywood. He hinted that the reason for that could be the industry becoming communal. This has led to several industry insiders think about it and give their perspective. In a recent interview, veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar said that he doesn't really think that the industry has become communal, infact he even did not believe that Rahman could make such a statement.

For those not in the know, during an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked if there is bias in the Hindi Film Industry, especially towards people from the Tamil community or those outside Maharashtra. While Rahman said that he did not personally face discrimination, he hinted perhaps the changing power structures within the industry could be the reason for it.



He said, “Maybe I never got to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this. 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 5 composers. I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”

Reacting to it, Javed Akhtar said in an interview with India Today, "I don't agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this. Rahman is a great composer, and a lot of people respect him. But they are scared to reach him because he is so big. They are scared to talk to him and handle him. It's a wrong assumption, though. It is out of awe and fear of him that people keep away... that humare bas ka nahi hai, yeh toh bohot bada aadmi hai (he is a big shot)."

Shobhaa De has also reacted to it at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, as quoted by ANI, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don't know why he's made it; you should ask him. But I've been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I've seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don't have talent, there's no question of religion being a factor, that they're not giving you a chance. So, what he's saying, he's such a successful man, he's such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him."

Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut also reacted to Rahman's comments and revealed that he had refused to even meet her when she wanted to narrate the script of 'Emergency' and wanted him to do the film's music. The actress expressed on social media, "I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you. Forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be part of a propaganda film. Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics. Even opposition party leaders sent me fan leaders appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for you #emergency.”

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