4 minutes of readingNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 29, 2026 07:02 pm IST
legendary composer AR Rahmanwho recently found himself at the center of a storm over comments about Bollywood and communal prejudices, today saw one of his most iconic creations steal the spotlight. At the Beating Retreat ceremony after the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk, the armed forces band performed “Jai Ho”, the Oscar-winning song from Slumdog Millionaire that has become synonymous with national pride.
“Jai Ho” plays at the Beating Retreat ceremony
The ceremony was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister. Rajnath Singhand several Union ministers, began with a National Greeting, raising the tricolor flag and the national anthem. Following this, the bands of the three services performed a medley of patriotic tunes including “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”, “Incredible India”, “Veer Sainik”, “Mili Jhuli”, “Nritya Sarita”, “Marooni” and “Jhelum”. Bands of the Central Armed Police Forces joined in with stirring performances of “Vijay Bharat”, “Hathrohi”, “Jai Ho” and “Veer Sipahi”.
𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 – 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ||
Central Armed Forces bands perform “Jai Ho” at Vijay Chowk@PMOIndia | #BeatingRetreat | @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/3vNQZpniMC
– All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 29, 2026
The inclusion of “Jai Ho” had additional significance, as it came after AR Rahman’s comments about the Indian film industry sparked widespread debate.
What AR Rahman had said
During an interview with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman spoke candidly about the challenges in Bollywood, hinting at a bias in the industry. He commented: “Maybe I never knew about this, maybe it was hidden, but I didn’t feel any of this. Maybe in the last eight years, because a power shift has happened and non-creative people have the power now. Maybe it’s a community thing too… but it’s not in my face.”
He added: “I get like Chinese whispers that they hired you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I say well, I have more time to relax with my family. I’m not looking for work. I don’t want to go looking for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. What I deserve, I get.”
Social media was quick to react with critics accusing AR Rahman of making divisive statements. Prominent industry voices including Javed Akhtar, Ram Gopal VarmaKangana Ranaut and others publicly disagreed, intensifying the debate.
AR Rahman’s clarification
In response to the uprising, AR Rahman shared a video statement on Instagram, clarifying that his intentions were misinterpreted and expressing gratitude to India as a source of inspiration.
Story continues below this ad.
“India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that sometimes intentions can be misinterpreted. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain and I hope my sincerity is felt. I feel blessed to be Indian, which allows me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices,” Rahman said.
He highlighted his ongoing projects and collaborations, including JHALAA at the WAVES Summit, working with young Naga musicians, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band, and composing Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, calling each project a reinforcement of his musical purpose.
“I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honors the past, celebrates the present and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Ho,” Rahman concluded, as the video ended with a cricket stadium singing his song “Vande Mataram” in unison.