A provocative suggestion from singer Anup Jalota has taken the entertainment industry by storm, aimed directly at Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. Amid backlash over Rahman’s claims of reduced film offers linked to ‘communal’ shifts, Jalota’s response cuts straight to the core.
In an exclusive chat, Jalota didn’t mince words. ‘Rahman was Hindu once, then embraced Islam and conquered the world of music. If he now feels his faith is costing him gigs, go back to Hinduism and try again,’ he stated. This comes after Rahman lamented a power pivot in Bollywood, where creative control has slipped to less artistic hands, possibly tinged with religious bias.
Social media erupted post-Rahman’s interview, with hashtags trending and celebrities chiming in. Jalota, known for his devotional hits, drew from Rahman’s journey: from Chennai’s Dileep to the Mozart of Madras, his conversion fueled rather than hindered success initially.
‘Believe me, as a Hindu, projects will flow,’ Jalota predicted, challenging Rahman to put his theory to the test. It’s a call that blends sarcasm with sincerity, questioning whether religion truly gates opportunity in modern India.
Rahman’s illustrious career boasts two Oscars, six National Awards, and soundtracks that defined generations. Yet, his recent dry spell has prompted introspection. Industry insiders whisper of changing tastes and producer preferences, but Rahman subtly nodded to deeper, divisive factors.
Jalota’s advice, while controversial, spotlights a raw nerve: does faith influence casting couches and composer calls? As Rahman ponders his next move, this spat highlights the intricate dance of identity and ambition in India’s glittering yet gritty showbiz arena.