Music maestro AR Rahman recently faced backlash after his recent remarks about alleged ‘communal’ bias in Hindi film industry went viral. Today, the music maestro issued a clarification, stating that his comments
were misunderstood and that it wasn’t his intention to hurt anyone. The Oscar-winning music composer shared a video message, in which he spoke about his pride in being an Indian and the creative freedom the country has given him. Soon after he shared the clarification video, veteran actor Paresh Rawal praised him on social media, and called him ‘our pride.’
Paresh Rawal Reacts To AR Rahman’s Clarification Video
On Sunday, Paresh Rawal took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the video of AR Rahman’s clarification about his recent remarks. The veteran actor showed his support for the music maestro and wrote, “We love you sir . You are our pride,” along with folded hand emoji and a heart emoji. Check out his post below!
We love you sir . You are our pride. 🙏❤️ https://t.co/5a4bfXTYiD
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) January 18, 2026
AR Rahman Breaks Silence After Backlash Over His Recent Remarks
AR Rahman shared a video after his recent remarks in an interview with BBC Asian Network sparked criticism. In the video, the music composer said that music has always been his way of bringing people together and celebrating India’s cultural diversity. “Music has been always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt,” Rahman said in the clip.
“I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables to create a space which always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices,” he added. Rahman went on to list several projects that reflect his commitment to inclusive and meaningful work. “From nurturing JHALAA presented at the Wave Summit in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and Rooh-e-Noor, to collaborating with young Naga musicians to create a string orchestra, to mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, to building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band, and the honour of scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer, each journey has strengthened my purpose. I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music,” he said.
AR Rahman’s Remarks That Sparked Backlash
In an interview with BBC Network, AR Rahman said that work has slowed for him in recent years, and that people who are “not creative” now hold influence. He also said it “might be a communal thing”, which led to strong reactions from social media users and sections of the film industry.
“”People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, ‘Oh, that’s great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family,” he said.
