"No Intention to Hurt Sentiments": A R Rahman Breaks Silence on ‘Communal’ Remark

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has responded to the criticism surrounding his recent “communal” remark, saying his words were never meant to cause pain and that his intentions may have been misunderstood.

Rahman addressed the issue through a video message shared on his Instagram account on Sunday. The 59-year-old musician, celebrated for iconic film scores such as Roja, Bombay and Dil Se.., said music has always been his medium to connect people and celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity.

“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,” Rahman said in the video.

Expressing pride in India’s multicultural ethos, Rahman said he felt blessed to be an Indian artist working in a space that encourages freedom of expression and celebrates diverse voices. He highlighted several projects that reflect this belief, including Jhalaa presented at the WAVES summit before the Prime Minister, Rooh-e-Noor, collaborations with young Naga musicians, the creation of a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, building Secret Mountain—India’s first multicultural virtual band—and composing music for Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer.

Rahman’s clarification comes days after his interview with the BBC Asian Network, in which he spoke about receiving fewer work opportunities in recent years due to shifting power dynamics in the Hindi film industry. During the interview, he suggested that the situation could also be linked to “a communal thing,” though not overtly.

“I'm not in search of work. I want work to come to me; the sincerity of my work to earn things. I feel it's a jinx when I go on in search of things... 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,” Rahman had said, adding that he chose to take the phase in stride and spend time with his family.