EXCLUSIVE | Waheeda Rehman reacts to AR Rahman's comment on Bollywood being 'communal': 'Yeh mulk hamara hai'

AR Rahman has faced backlash ever since he suggested that he had lost his job in the Hindi film industry due to communal bias and a power shift in the last eight years. While the composer clarified his intention on social media later, several celebrities including Javed Akhtar, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan and Kangana Ranaut reacted to his controversial statement. Now, in an exclusive interview with SCREEN, veteran actor Waheeda Rehman spoke about the ongoing dispute in the industry. She claimed that the reason behind her claims could be time.

When asked to address Rahman’s comments on getting less work Due to a power shift and a perceived communal bias in the industry, she replied, “Yes, I read about it, but I try to delve into it less. I prefer not to pay attention to it, when everything is going well. These little things happen in every country.”

The 87-year-old added: “So what to believe and how much to believe? Whether it is true or not. Why should we get involved? At least at my age, I don’t want to get involved with anything or anyone. Apni shaanti se raho, yeh mulk hai humaara, bas khush raho, that’s what I can say (this is our country, leave in peace and be happy).”

Waheeda further explained that the music composer might be receiving less work as times change, rather than because of his religion. “Kaam toh upar neeche hota hi rehta hai. Ek umar ke baad, log kehte hain ki bring someone new or different (your ability to get a job changes after a certain age). All this can lead to some people being left behind,” he said.

“Agar vo bahut oonchaai par pahuche hain aur vo vahin rahenge, unhi ko lenge, aisa bhi toh nahi hota na. Upar neeche hota hi rehta hai, aisi koi nayi baat nahi hai (It’s nothing new, this fluctuation keeps happening),” he concluded.

AR Rahman’s ‘communal’ comments

Previously, during an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman He was asked about facing prejudice in the Hindi and Tamil film industry. “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 people who aren’t creative have the power now. Maybe it’s a community thing too… but it’s not in my face. I get like Chinese whispers that you got hired, but the music company went ahead and hired all five of their songwriters. I say well, I have more time to relax with my family. I’m not looking for a job. “I don’t want to go looking for a job. work. I want work to come to me; what I deserve, I receive,” the composer responded.

Story continues below this ad.

After receiving a lot of negative reactions for his comments, Rahman shared a video. He posted on social media and clarified his stance. “India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes 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,” he said in the clip.

Navya Kharbanda is an entertainment journalist and film commentator at The Indian Express, where she specializes in bridging the gap between Bollywood’s classic heritage and the contemporary perspectives of Generation Z. Her work is characterized by a mix of nostalgia-driven analysis and on-the-ground reporting from major film festivals and industry events. Experience and Professional Background Navya is a prominent voice in The Indian Express’ entertainment department, known for her ability to land candid interviews with both legendary veterans and rising stars. Career highlights include: The Indian Express – Covers a wide range of topics, from high-stakes box office analysis to in-depth celebrity profiles. She is a regular at major events such as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Interviews on SCREEN: Navya has conducted a series of ‘exclusive conversations’ for SCREEN, with industry stalwarts like Anupam Kher, Vishal Bhardwaj, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Suhasini Maniratnam. Archival Reports: Noted for his sensitive handling of archival interviews and retrospectives, he recently covered the legacy of the late superstar Dharmendra and the professional reflections of the late Satish Shah. Areas of Specialization and Focus Navya’s beat is uniquely defined by her “Gen-Z Revisit” series, where she re-evaluates cult classics through a modern lens. His main areas of expertise include: Film Retrospectives: Analyzes 80s and 90s milestones such as Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Mohabbatein to explore how themes of romance and rebellion resonate with today’s youth. Industry Insights: Tracking the professional resurgences of actors (e.g. Akshaye Khanna) and the changing dynamics of film production and distribution in the OTT era. On-Set Dynamics: Report on behind-the-scenes stories of major productions, ranging from the technical challenges of Mirzapur: The Film to the work ethic of superstars like Shah Rukh Khan. South Indian Cinema: Expanding its coverage to include the impact of regional icons and the rise of pan-Indian fantasy epics such as Magadheera. Authority and Trust Navya Kharbanda has established her authority by consistently delivering “Bravery Journalism” in the entertainment sphere. Whether questioning sexism in patriarchal classics or reporting on fair wage debates at international film festivals, her work prioritizes factual accuracy and critical objectivity. Its ability to synthesize the industry’s deep history with modern audience trends makes it a trusted source for readers seeking both entertainment news and thoughtful cultural commentary. …Read more

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Select a plan

Monthly plan

Yearly plan

All plans include

Search for an article