AR Rahman: Indian composer faces backlash for bias' in Bollywood remarks

"Allah Rakha Rahman, popularly known as AR Rahman, is undoubtedly India's most famous composer. He has won some of the world's most coveted musical awards including Oscars, Grammys and a Golden Globe. His song Jai Ho (May You Win), which won him an Oscar, became a celebrated anthem. The 59-year-old Mozart of Madras has also been honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India's third highest civilian award, for his contribution to music."

"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, Rahman told the BBC Asian Network in the interview aired on Friday. 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,' he said in the 90-minute interview."

"Right-wing commentators and activists questioned Rahman's patriotism and talent, accusing him of playing the victim card. Vinod Bansal from the far-right organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded an apology from Rahman for defaming the country. We are proud of him and whatever he has done for the country. But for someone who has earned his living from the Indian industry, the way he is trying to defame the country is highly objectionable, he told Al Jazeera."

AR Rahman said he potentially lost work in Bollywood due to communal bias and described bookings being replaced through "Chinese whispers." He noted that non-creative people now have the power to decide creative roles and suggested communal factors may have played a part. Right-wing commentators and activists accused him of playing the victim and questioned his patriotism and talent. Vinod Bansal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad demanded an apology for allegedly defaming the country. Industry insiders largely offered no public solidarity and distanced themselves. Rahman faced sustained social media backlash and issued an explanation amid the criticism.

Read at www.aljazeera.com