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New Delhi: Is Bollywood turning “communal” against AR Rahman? The Oscar-winning composer hinted at bias and fewer offers in eight years, blaming power shifts to non-creatives.

But legend Javed Akhtar fires back, calling it a misunderstanding and praising Rahman’s unmatched respect. Why are filmmakers scared to approach the Mozart of Madras? As whispers of industry divides grow louder, this clash exposes tensions between awe, choices, and hidden hurdles in Hindi cinema’s power game. Fans are divided—who’s right?

Rahman’s BBC revelation

AR Rahman opened up to BBC Asian Network about fewer Bollywood opportunities over the past eight years. He said, “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 of work. I don’t want to go in search of work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get”. Rahman denied personal discrimination but pointed to possible bias against Tamil outsiders or those from outside Maharashtra.

Javed Akhtar’s strong disagreement

Lyricist Javed Akhtar reacted strongly to India Today, dismissing Rahman’s “communal” remark as misinterpreted. He stated, “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)”. Akhtar emphasised Rahman’s stature keeps directors at bay due to fear, not bias.

Shared artistic principles

Both icons prioritise integrity over compromise. Rahman avoids projects with harmful intent, as noted in his BBC chat. Javed Akhtar echoed this, revealing, “My morality is very clear in two things. In my life, you have no idea how many films I have left. There have been times when I have signed, and then we had a discussion, and I walked out. Sometimes during the film, I walked out. And then, at times, I have done a few songs and then left”. He refuses vulgarity or bad grammar, saying, “One thing that I am not willing to compromise with at any cost is vulgarity. And in any situation, if I see any element of vulgarity, I walk away from it. Another thing is bad grammar. Because…aapko zabaan nahi aati aur aap mujhse keh rahe ho gaane mein yeh daal do (you don’t know the language, and you are asking me to put it in the song). Because of your ignorance, I can’t let my name go in a song with bad language and grammar. So I walk away”.

This exchange highlights Bollywood’s complex dynamics, where respect, power, and personal ethics shape careers. As debates on inclusivity simmer, Rahman’s chill response contrasts Akhtar’s defence, urging focus on talent over rumours.