AR Rahman Communal Bias Row: Javed Akhtar, Shobaa De React To Composer's Comment; Call It 'Dangerous'

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Rahman's recent interview with the BBC where he spoke out about not getting many films in Bollywood because of ‘prejudice within the Hindi film landscape,' is going viral. Many celebrities have reacted to the singer's statements, including Javed Akhtar, Shobaa De, Kangana Ranaut, among others. In a recent conversation, veteran screenwriter said that he doesn't really think that the industry has become communal, infact he even did not believe that Rahman could make such a statement. Shobhaa De too has also reacted to it at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026.

Javed Akhtar Reacts To AR Rahman's Communal Bias Comment

In an interview with India Today, Javed Akhtar said, "I don't agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this. Rahman is a great composer, and a lot of people respect him. But they are scared to reach him because he is so big. They are scared to talk to him and handle him. It's a wrong assumption, though. It is out of awe and fear of him that people keep away... that humare bas ka nahi hai, yeh toh bohot bada aadmi hai (he is a big shot)."

Shobaa De Calls AR Rahman's Comment 'Dangerous'

ANI quoted Shobaa De saying, "This is a very dangerous comment. I don't know why he's made it; you should ask him. But I've been watching Bollywood for 50 years. And if I've seen any place which is free of any kind of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don't have talent, there's no question of religion being a factor, that they're not giving you a chance. So, what he's saying, he's such a successful man, he's such a mature man. He should not have said it, maybe he has his reasons, you will have to ask him." Rahman’s statement on Tamilians not being accepted and welcomed in the Hindi landscape sparked political controversy. Politicians from various parties reacted to his concerns. While some parties stood in favour of the veteran composer, others had differing views.