In a major political-cultural flashpoint on January 18, 2026, former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has publicly supported music maestro AR Rahman, following his recent remarks about a “communal shift” in Bollywood. The controversy has split the industry, with veterans like Javed Akhtar and Shaan dismissing the claims while others like Kangana Ranaut have launched sharp personal attacks on the composer.
The Spark: AR Rahman’s Interview
In a mid-January interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman addressed why he has been receiving less work in the Hindi film industry over the last eight years.
- The Claim: Rahman attributed the decline to a “power shift” where non-creative people now hold decision-making power.
- The “Communal” Angle: He stated, “It 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.”
- On ‘Chhaava’: Rahman also touched upon his work in the 2025 blockbuster Chhaava, calling it a “divisive” film that “capitalized on that sentiment,” though he defended his participation as a way to portray bravery.
The Rebuttal: Javed Akhtar & Shaan
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar dismissed Rahman’s fears, suggesting the lack of work is due to his “towering stature” rather than religion.
- Akhtar’s View: “People are scared to reach him because he is so big… they think he is too busy in the West.” He argued that Bollywood has historically been a bastion of secularism, citing icons like Dilip Kumar and Mohammed Rafi.
- Shaan’s Take: The singer echoed Akhtar, noting that the continued success of the “Three Khans” (Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir) proves there is no “minority angle” in the industry.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Support
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Mehbooba Mufti slammed Javed Akhtar for “dismissing shared realities.”
- The “Lived Reality” Argument: Mufti argued that Akhtar was contradicting the experiences of his own wife, Shabana Azmi, who has previously spoken about being denied housing in Mumbai because she is Muslim.
- The Quote: “Brushing aside such experiences does not change the truth about today’s India,” Mufti wrote, framing Bollywood as a “mini India” that mirrors growing communalization.
Kangana Ranaut’s Attack
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut reacted with characteristic bluntness, labeling Rahman “prejudiced and hateful.”
- The ‘Emergency’ Snub: Kangana claimed that Rahman refused to even meet her to discuss the music for her directorial film Emergency, allegedly calling it a “propaganda film.”
- The Counter-Accusation: She wrote, “I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you… you are blinded by your hate.”
Rahman’s Video Response
Amid the rising row, Rahman released a video message on his Instagram handle today to clarify his stance:
- “India is My Teacher”: He reiterated his love for the country, stating, “India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home.”
- On Intentions: He admitted that intentions can be misunderstood but insisted his purpose has always been to “uplift and serve through music,” ending the video with his iconic Vande Mataram.