Chopraa on Rahman row: India's global stars

Composer AR Rahman has recently found himself at the center of controversy following remarks he made about the noticeable decline in offers from Hindi cinema over the past eight years. His comments, made during an interview with BBC Asian Network, suggested that there could be a “communal angle” behind the reduced opportunities—remarks that have since drawn criticism from a section of the Indian film fraternity and beyond, turning the debate into a highly polarised one.

However, Rahman has also received strong support from several voices within the industry. The latest to publicly stand by him is actor-turned-producer Meerra Chopraa, along with her production banner, PincMoon Meta Studios, which is backing the upcoming film Gandhi Talks. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Arvind Swami, and Priyadarshini Indalkar, among others, and features music by AR Rahman.

Meerra Chopraa, who has recently embarked on a new creative chapter by launching PincMoon Meta Studios, marked her entry into film production with Gandhi Talks—a bold, contemplative silent film that celebrates the power of stillness, silence, and inner strength.

Addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding Rahman

, Meerra shared a strong statement in his defence. She wrote, “Only two Indians have truly taken India to the global stage in a way the whole world recognises — Priyanka Chopra and AR Rahman. Trolling him for something he didn’t even mean is not just wrong, it’s disgraceful. Respect the legend. He’s the one who composed the most iconic Vande Mataram.”

For context, Rahman's remarks stemmed from his observation that work offers from Hindi cinema have declined in recent years. While he acknowledged multiple factors, he mentioned that there might be a communal undertone to this shift—an interpretation that sparked widespread debate.