Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman has stirred debate with candid comments about his involvement in the 2025 historical drama Chhaava and his perception of the decreasing opportunities in the Hindi film industry.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman described Chhaava as “a divisive film”, while underscoring his respect for its central theme of bravery. Rahman also revealed that he was initially unsure why the director wanted him on the project.
“It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but I think the core of it is to show bravery,” Rahman claimed in the interview. "I had asked the director, 'why did he need me for this film, but he said that 'we need only you for this'. It is an enjoyable film, but definitely people are smarter than that. Do you think people are going to get influenced by movies? They have something called internal conscience, which knows what the truth is, and what manipulation is."
Rahman went on to praise the film’s subject, noting the emotional resonance of portraying the legacy of a historic figure. He called the character of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj “very moving” and said he was honoured to have scored an album whose music has “the pulse and soul of every Maratha”.
On Reduced Work in Bollywood
Rahman also spoke about his reduced presence in Hindi cinema over recent years, suggesting that changes within the industry’s power dynamics may have played a role. He said that in the past eight years there has been a shift in control to individuals he described as “people who are not creative”, adding that this could sometimes manifest as bias.
“Maybe I never got to know all this stuff. Maybe God concealed all this stuff… Maybe in the past eight years because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face,” Rahman said, describing how opportunities sometimes reached him indirectly, via “Chinese whispers”.
He insisted that he is not actively seeking work but prefers that projects come to him naturally, adding that his sincerity and craft will determine what he receives.
Reactions from the Industry
Rahman’s comments have triggered a broader conversation about inclusivity and bias in Bollywood. Some industry figures have offered contrasting views. Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar said there is no communal element in Rahman’s reduced work, pointing instead to his towering stature and varied commitments abroad. Vocalist Shaan emphasised that music is not shaped by minority or majority identities, while others have highlighted structural changes in decision-making within the industry.
Columnist Shobhaa De described Rahman’s remark as “dangerous”, asserting that Bollywood has been free of communal tension and that talent, not religion, has traditionally determined opportunities.
