In what can be seen as endorsement of AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ remarks, J&K PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar was contradicting the lived realities of Indian Muslims by dismissing music maestro's concerns about the alleged communalisation of Bollywood.
"When Javed Akhtar dismisses A R Rahman's concerns about the growing communalisation of Bollywood, he contradicts lived and shared realities of Indian Muslims including those of his own wife Shabana Azmi, who has openly spoken about being denied housing for being a Muslim in a cosmopolitan city like Bombay," Mufti said in a post on X.
"Bollywood has always been a living mini-India mirroring the country's social realities. Brushing aside such experiences does not change the truth about today's India," the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said.
Pertinently, in a recent interview with the BBC Network, Oscar- winning composer AR Rahman alleged communal bias in Bollywood. He claimed that work in Bollywood has slowed for him in recent years, saying that it could be a 'communal thing'. However, singer Shaan and veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar denied any 'notion of communal bias.'
Rahman’s remarks had sparked debate in the Hindi film industry after he suggested that changing power structures — possibly including a communal dimension — may have contributed to a decline in work opportunities for him. According to media reports, Akhtar said there was no communal element in Rahman getting reduced work opportunities in Bollywood.
Meanwhile,Rahman has responded to criticism regarding comments he made in an interview, expressing his continued devotion to India and clarifying the intention behind his words. The musician, at the centre of a public debate over perceived prejudice in Bollywood, shared a statement outlining his motivations. He stated, “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our 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.”
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