Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding A.R. Rahman's remarks about the Hindi film industry, specifically his suggestion of "communal" undercurrents affecting his work. In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Rehman responded to the Oscar-winning composer's statements, saying, "Yeh mulk humara hai".
Rahman's initial comments, made during an interview with BBC Asian Network, alluded to a potential "communal thing" influencing decisions within Bollywood, contributing to a perceived decrease in his opportunities over the past eight years. He noted a "power shift" where "people who are not creative have the power now to decide things". He also described instances where he was approached for projects, only to have music companies later opt for other composers.
These remarks triggered a wide-ranging debate within the Indian film industry and among the public. Some public figures, like playback singer Shaan and lyricist Javed Akhtar, dismissed the notion of communal bias in the music industry. Shaan stated that even he is getting less work and views it as a personal phase and not discrimination. Akhtar emphasized that he has "never felt" any communal discrimination in the film industry. Others, like writer Shobhaa De, cautioned against such statements, suggesting they could create misunderstandings about an industry known for its diversity.
Waheeda Rehman, when asked to address Rahman's comments, stated that she tries not to delve too deeply into such matters. The 87-year-old actress said, "Yes, I read about it, but I try to dig less into it. I prefer not to pay attention to it, when everything is going fine. These small things happen in every country". She further questioned the veracity of such claims and expressed her reluctance to get involved, particularly at her age. Rehman suggested that the changes Rahman is experiencing might simply be a consequence of time and the natural fluctuations within the industry.
A.R. Rahman's daughters, Khatija and Raheema, have defended their father amidst the backlash, sharing a message that urged critics to "disagree, don't disgrace" the composer. The post condemned personal attacks, religious targeting, and abusive language.
Following the initial stir, A.R. Rahman addressed the criticism, stating that he never wished to cause pain and hoped his sincerity would be felt. He reiterated his love for India, emphasizing its allowance for freedom of expression and the celebration of multicultural voices.
The controversy has highlighted broader discussions about the evolving dynamics within Bollywood, including the role of corporate influence and the challenges faced by artists navigating the industry's complexities. Actor Ranvir Shorey responded to Rahman's comments, saying that every artist has to fight their own battles in the industry, and blaming only one kind of bias does not help anyone move forward in their career. He also mentioned that he had heard that Rahman charges a lot for his work.
