Imagine a world where creative genius is overshadowed by non-creative decision-makers. This is the reality AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning composer, claims he’s facing in the Hindi film industry today. In a revealing interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman shed light on a startling shift in his career trajectory over the past eight years. But here’s where it gets controversial: he attributes this change to a power dynamic where creative control is increasingly in the hands of those who aren’t artists themselves. Could this be a subtle form of exclusion, or merely the evolution of the industry? Rahman hints at a communal undertone but stops short of labeling it outright discrimination, leaving us to ponder the nuances.
During his Bollywood heyday in the 1990s, Rahman recalls a seamless integration into the industry, free from bias. Fast forward to today, and the landscape feels different. He shares anecdotes of learning through the grapevine that projects he was initially considered for took unexpected turns. “It’s like a game of Chinese whispers,” he explains, “where I hear they booked me, but then the music company hires five other composers instead.” And this is the part most people miss: Rahman isn’t chasing work. He’s philosophical about it, valuing time with family and believing work should come to him as a result of his sincerity and merit. “Whatever I deserve, I get,” he asserts, a statement that’s both humble and thought-provoking.
Despite these challenges, Rahman’s talent continues to shine through high-profile projects. He’s currently scoring Vijay Sethupathi’s silent drama Gandhi Talks, set for a January 30 theatrical release, and collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer on Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, and Yash. Slated for Diwali 2026, this film promises to be a landmark in Indian cinema.
But here’s the question that lingers: Is the industry sidelining creative giants like Rahman, or is this a natural evolution of how films are made? Rahman’s story invites us to reflect on the balance of power in art versus commerce. Do you think creativity should always lead, or is there room for non-artists to steer the ship? Share your thoughts below—this is a conversation worth having.
