Director Imtiaz Ali, known for his collaborations with AR Rahman on films like Chamkila and Rockstar, has publicly defended the Oscar-winning composer amid recent controversy. Rahman has stirred conversation with comments that suggest a potential communal bias within the film industry. However, Ali insists that these statements may have been misinterpreted, asserting that he has never witnessed any form of communal bias in his extensive time in the industry.
In an interview with India Today, Imtiaz expressed his support for Rahman, stating, “I don’t believe there is a communal bias in the film industry. I’ve been around for a long time, and I’ve never encountered it. AR Rahman is one of the most brilliant individuals I’ve met in this field.”
He further elaborated, saying, “I doubt he made all the comments attributed to him, and perhaps they’ve been misconstrued. In fact, I can’t recall a single instance of communal bias or animosity.”
In response to the backlash, AR Rahman clarified his remarks during an interview with the BBC, where he indicated that a shift in power dynamics might have affected his career. His comments led to an online debate, prompting critics to scrutinize his observations. In light of the controversy, Rahman released a video on Instagram, explaining that he never intended to cause distress with his words.
In the video, Rahman referred to India as both his teacher and home, stating, “Music has always been my medium for connecting, celebrating, and honoring our culture. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. My aim has always been to uplift and serve through music, never to inflict pain.”
He highlighted various projects where he aimed to showcase Indian culture, such as nurturing Jhalaa at the WAVES summit and collaborating with young Naga musicians. “I feel blessed to be Indian, which allows me to foster a space that celebrates diverse voices,” he added. Rahman concluded his message by expressing gratitude for the nation and reaffirming his commitment to music that honors its rich heritage, ending with a clip of his song Maa Tujhe Salaam/Vande Mataram resonating in a stadium full of fans.