Composer Salim Merchant opened up about AR Rahman’s remark regarding communal bias.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, he pointed out that if AR Rahman is composing the music for Ramayana – one of the biggest films on Indian mythology in history – it is difficult to believe that there is any communal bias at play.
Sharing his take on the matter, Salim said, “I don’t think that is true. I mean, with all due respect to what Rahman said, he may be right in his own way, based on his own experience. I don’t think that’s true. I feel that the composer who is doing the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema, which is a Hindu epic called Ramayana, if he is the composer of that, then I don’t think there is any problem with any communal issue. But that is my take on it, my opinion; he might have his own reasons.”
Earlier, AR Rahman spoke about receiving limited work offers in Bollywood.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, the Oscar-winning composer had said, “People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, ‘Oh, that’s great – rest for me, I can chill out with my family.'”
After facing major backlash, AR Rahman uploaded a video clarifying that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
“Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a culture. 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.
A.R.Rahman speaks out & responds with clarity.#ARRahman ❤ pic.twitter.com/0YiFOJMA2v
— A.R.Rahman News (@ARRahman_News) January 18, 2026
In recent times, AR Rahman has composed music for Ponniyin Selvan: I and II, Pathu Thala, Maamannan, Ayalaan, Lal Salaam, Raayan, Kadhalikka Neramillai, and Thug Life in Tamil; Shikara, 99 Songs, Dil Bechara, Mimi, Atrangi Re, Heropanti 2, and Tere Ishk Mein in Bollywood; and Malayankunju in Malayalam.
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