AR Rahman graced the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix along with the team of his film, Gandhi Talkies, including Vijay Sethupathi,
Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth Jadhav. Weeks after his communal bias remark about the Hindi film industry, the veteran music director said on the show that messages get corrupted during interpretation. While playing the whisper game on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Rahman cryptically shared that his statement on communal bias was misinterpreted. Previously, he had clarified the intention behind saying it. The Netflix reality show marked his first public interaction after the controversy.
AR Rahman feels 'information gets misunderstood'
On The Great Indian Kapil Show, Rahman promoted Gandhi Talkies, a silent film. The composer of the movie said after playing the whisper game, "This is a good exercise to see how information gets misunderstood. Different states, different cultures. The problem with the world is this, how messages get corrupted on the way.”
AR Rahman's communal bias row
During an interview with the BBC, Rahman was asked about not signing more Hindi films. Hinting at communal bias in the fraternity, he revealed it never happened on his face. The Grammy winner assumed that bias existed behind his back, and because of a probable power shift, he lost many films.
AR Rahman's clarification
Reacting to the immediate backlash, Rahman said in a video statement that music has been a way to connect, celebrate and honour the Indian culture. Calling India his inspiration, teacher and home, he hinted that the intention behind his communication was misunderstood. Adding that his purpose is to uplift, honour and serve the country and its rich culture through music, Rahman said he never wanted to cause pain to anyone with his words. He further expressed gratitude towards the country and its citizens for allowing him to create a space that gives the freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices.
Besides talking about communal bias in the industry, Rahman called Chhaava, a film that credited him as the music director, ‘divisive’. The makers of the historic biopic are yet to respond to the claim. Following the debatable interview, many filmmakers came out in his support. Some chose to think differently.
AR Rahman's next project
Post Gandhi Talkies, Rahman’s music will feature in Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi’s mythological drama, Ramayana Part 1. The film is scheduled to release in theatres globally on Diwali 2026. Prior to the controversy, Rahman remained in the news for his composition in Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon.
