When it comes to legendary musicians, you simply cannot miss out on naming AR Rahman. An icon whose words carry as much weight as his music, it’s no surprise that anything he says tends to go viral. Recently, Rahman spoke about the sharp decline in opportunities he has received from Bollywood over the past eight years, pointing towards the industry becoming increasingly communal. His remarks sparked a wider conversation, with noted lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar, also weighing in with his views.
Javed Akhtar shares his take on AR Rahman’s viral remark on the industry being communal
Recently, Javed Akhtar was asked to react to AR Rahman’s statement about receiving fewer opportunities in Bollywood and linking it to the industry becoming communal. The veteran lyricist’s response has since been making rounds on the internet, as he firmly disagreed with that line of thought and even questioned whether Rahman would frame the issue that way.
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Akhtar said,
“I don’t agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this.”
By saying so, he emphasised the immense respect Rahman enjoys across the film industry. Offering an alternate explanation, he added,
“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.”
Calling the assumption misplaced, Akhtar further remarked,
“It is 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.”
According to Akhtar, Rahman’s stature itself creates a distance — one rooted in reverence rather than bias.
AR Rahman breaks silence on Bollywood, power shifts and staying true to his values
The conversation around AR Rahman began after the maestro was posed a direct question on bias within the Hindi film industry. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the composer addressed whether artists from the Tamil community or those outside Maharashtra face discrimination. While Rahman made it clear that he has never personally felt sidelined, his response hinted at deeper shifts quietly reshaping the industry.
He said,
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“Maybe I never got to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this.”
Speaking about the noticeable drop in work over the past few years, Rahman pointed towards changing power dynamics in the industry.
“Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now.”
He then mentioned,
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“ It might be a communal thing also but it is not in my face.”
He further explained how these developments often reach him indirectly, saying,
“It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers.”
Unbothered by the slowdown, Rahman made it clear that he isn’t chasing projects anymore.
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“I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work,”
He further said,
“I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”
Javed Akhtar on why he chooses integrity over everything else
While AR Rahman spoke about consciously staying away from projects with harmful intent, Javed Akhtar echoed a remarkably similar mindset rooted in personal ethics. Explaining his approach to art, Akhtar made it clear that compromise has never been part of his journey.
“My morality is very clear in two things. In my life, you have no idea how many films I have left.”
By saying so, he revealed how often he has chosen to walk away.
“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.”
Akhtar went on to spell out his absolute red lines.
“One thing that I am not willing to compromise with at any cost is vulgarity. In any situation, if I see any element of vulgarity, I walk away from it.”
For him, intent matters more than opportunity, and no project is worth diluting personal values.
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He also spoke strongly about language and correctness, calling poor grammar a deal-breaker.
“Another thing is bad grammar. Because aapko zabaan nahi aati aur aap mujhse keh rahe ho gaane mein yeh daal do.”
Akhtar said this adding that he refuses to let his name be attached to work with incorrect language. Much like Rahman, his stance reinforces a shared belief — that real artistry is about integrity, not convenience.
Overall, Javed Akhtar’s response offers a grounded perspective on AR Rahman’s remarks, shifting the focus from bias to the awe and stature Rahman commands within the industry. His views suggest that the distance around Rahman may stem more from reverence than exclusion. What are your thoughts on Akhtar’s take on Rahman’s words? Do share your views in the comments below.
