3 minutes of readingChennaiFebruary 5, 2026 09:10 am IST
AR Rahman’s comment hinting at the “communal” nature of the Hindi film industry created quite a stir and days after his comments, he issued a clarification. Recently, the composer was asked about this episode and suggested that he had left this chapter behind him.
“Look, in life you have to prepare. And we have to prepare for everything,” he said cryptically when asked why he posted that video to explain himself. Then he smiled and insisted on moving the conversation on to something else because “we all know that.” But when the host of the YouTube podcast Noise and Grains continued and said it was “a little sad” for Rahman’s fans to see him read his own Wikipedia in that video message to explain his achievements for the country, Rahman said: “But you know what, we better move on to something else because the people who know you I don’t need an explanation. And when you explain to them, those who don’t listen to you don’t listen to you…” he added with a helpless chuckle.
Last month, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, the Oscar-winning composer said he had been getting less work in the film industry, saying: “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 communal thing too… but it’s not in my face. It comes to me like a Chinese whisper that you got hired but the music company moved on. and hired his 5 composers. I mean well, I have more time to relax with my family. I don’t want to go look for a job.
Days after that, Rahman shared a video on his social media, addressing the backlash following his comments, saying that intentions “can sometimes be misinterpreted,” but he did not want to cause any pain with his words. He then called India his “inspiration” and his purpose to “uplift, honor and serve through music.”
“I feel blessed to be Indian, which allows me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. From nurturing Jhalaa, presented at the WAVES summit in front of the honorable Prime Minister and Rooh-e-Noor, to collaborating with young Naga musicians, creating a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine orchestra, also building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band and the honor of composing Ramayana, alongside Hans Zimmer. Each trip has strengthened my purpose,” added Rahman.
Rahman is ready to take his Wonderment Tour to his own turf Chennai next week for Valentine’s Day.