Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Renowned playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has stirred a conversation in the music industry with a recent statement criticizing Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman for allegedly keeping several respected artists waiting for hours during a recording session.
Speaking to media, Abhijeet recalled his experience recording the song “Ae Nazneen Suno Na” from the 1999 film Dil Hi Dil Mein, the only collaboration between him and Rahman. According to the singer, during the recording session, several highly decorated artists—including Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardees—were left waiting in the studio lobby for nearly three hours.
“I saw Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recipients sitting downstairs on a bench waiting for Rahman sir for two to three hours,” Abhijeet said. “Everyone was chatting just to pass the time, but Rahman sir didn’t come down. I kept checking my watch.”
Abhijeet further claimed that the recording was ultimately completed in Rahman’s absence, handled entirely by the composer’s assistant.
“I recorded Ae Nazneen Suno Na, the assistant handled the session, and I left. That’s how it happened,” he said, implying a lack of regard for the stature of the artists present.
Though Abhijeet did not name specific individuals, his comments have sparked interest and debate in the music community about professionalism and treatment of fellow artists in the industry.
A.R. Rahman has yet to respond to the claims.