New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut has called him “prejudiced”, Javed Akhtar says he disagrees with him, Varun Grover describes him as a great composer attacked
Kangana Ranaut has called him “prejudiced”, Javed Akhtar says he disagrees with him, Varun Grover describes him as a great composer attacked for stating an opinion. On Sunday, AR Rahman attempted to step away from the raging debate over a remark on declining work from Bollywood with a clarificatory statement saying that India is his teacher, inspiration and home.
The Oscar-winning composer told BBC Asian Network in a recent interview that the volume of his work in the Hindi film industry had declined over the past eight years and hinted that it could be linked to a “communal thing”. He also said there have been changes in industry power structures where creative control has shifted away from creative people.
The remarks sparked a debate online and across entertainment circles, with critics questioning the basis of Rahman’s observation, following which the composer issued a clarification through a video message on social media on Sunday, saying his comments were misunderstood and that he never intended to “cause pain”.
“India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt,” he said in the video.
“I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices.
