Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has issued a video statement addressing the criticism he faced following remarks made during a recent interview, clarifying that his words were misunderstood and reiterating his enduring connection with India. The composer said his intent has always been to honour the country and serve it through music, not to hurt sentiments.
Rahman’s response came after social media reactions emerged over comments he made on creativity, power structures and divisiveness within the film industry. In his message, he stressed that music has remained his primary means of expressing respect for India’s culture and diversity.
In an emotional address, Rahman described India as central to his personal and artistic journey. He said music has been his way of connecting with and celebrating the nation’s cultural ethos, adding that India continues to be his inspiration, his teacher and his home. Acknowledging that intentions can sometimes be misread, he stated that his lifelong purpose has been to uplift and honour people through his work.
The composer also highlighted a range of initiatives and collaborations that, according to him, reflect his commitment to India’s multicultural identity. He spoke about projects such as Jhalaa, presented at the WAVES summit, Rooh-e-Noor, collaborations with young Naga musicians, the creation of a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and building Secret Mountain, described as India’s first multicultural virtual band. Rahman also referred to his work on Ramayana, for which he collaborated with Hans Zimmer, calling each project a reaffirmation of his purpose.
Concluding his statement, Rahman expressed gratitude to the nation and said he remains committed to music that respects and preserves cultural heritage. The video ended with visuals of his iconic composition Maa Tujhe Salaam/Vande Mataram being sung by a large crowd at a cricket stadium.
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The controversy originated from Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, where he was asked about whether he had faced prejudice as a Tamil composer in Bollywood. In response, he said he had not personally experienced it, adding that over the past eight years there may have been a shift in power, with non-creative individuals holding influence, and suggested that communal factors might also exist, though not directly affecting him.
Further debate followed after Rahman criticised the Hindi film Chhaava, stating that it benefitted from divisiveness, a remark that intensified online reactions and led to the subsequent clarification.
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