Renowned musician A.R. Rahman has stirred national controversy by branding Bollywood as ‘communal.’ The Padma Bhushan awardee’s bold assertion during a podcast has provoked Hindu religious leaders, who retaliated by dubbing him a ‘jihadist.’
Delving into Bollywood’s portrayal of social issues, Rahman highlighted how scripts increasingly favor communal angles over progressive stories. ‘It’s turned communal, feeding into societal divides,’ he remarked, citing specific blockbusters that amplified religious stereotypes.
Hindu saints wasted no time in response. At a massive gathering in Haridwar, they accused Rahman of hypocrisy, given his own film scores in ‘communal’ movies. ‘Jihadist propaganda disguised as music,’ roared a leading mahant, urging a cultural boycott. Videos of effigy burnings went viral, amplifying the outrage across digital platforms.
Fans of Rahman, who revolutionized Indian music with fusion tracks in films like Roja and Lagaan, defend him as a voice for reform. ‘He’s calling out real issues in cinema,’ tweeted a supporter. Yet, the backlash has led to calls for removing his songs from playlists and radio.
This clash reveals fault lines in India’s creative space. Industry insiders whisper that Rahman’s Sufi-influenced persona might have fueled the ‘jihadist’ tag. As debates rage on news channels, Rahman has yet to issue a clarification, leaving the nation hooked on this unfolding drama.
Looking ahead, this could reshape collaborations in Hindi cinema. Will directors think twice before approaching Rahman? The controversy highlights how personal opinions can eclipse professional legacies in polarized times.