In an Interview Zoya Afroz, currently basking in the success of the global Netflix hit Taskaree, shared a starkly different perspective from music maestro AR Rahman regarding communal bias in Bollywood.
The debate was reignited in January 2026 after Rahman suggested in a BBC interview that a “power shift” in the industry over the last eight years had introduced a “communal thing” behind the scenes, leading to him losing projects through “Chinese whispers.”
Zoya Afroz: “Unity Over Propaganda”
Responding to whether she had faced similar discrimination, the former Miss India International took a hopeful stance:
- The Experience: Zoya clarified that she has never lost work due to her surname or faith.
- The Reality: While acknowledging the world isn’t “rosy” and that some people may serve “propaganda,” she emphasized that her journey has been filled with support and love.
- The Message: “We are a diverse culture… we should celebrate that. I hope this [love] continues with me and happens for everyone,” she stated.
Taskaree: A Career Milestone
Zoya Afroz’s comments come at a high point in her career. Her portrayal of Priya Khubchandani, an air hostess caught in a smuggling web, has made Taskaree: The Smugglers’ Web the first Indian series to trend at Global No. 1 on Netflix.
| Feature | Details |
| Director | Neeraj Pandey |
| Lead Cast | Emraan Hashmi, Zoya Afroz, Sharad Kelkar |
| Zoya’s Role | Priya (Air Hostess) |
| Success Status | Global Trending #1 (February 2026) |
AR Rahman’s Controversial Claim Recap
In mid-January 2026, Rahman’s remarks sparked a massive industry divide:
- The Claim: He noted that non-creative executives now hold power and may be exercising bias.
- The Clarification: After backlash from figures like Javed Akhtar and Shaan, Rahman released a video saying, “Intentions can sometimes be misunderstood… India is my home and my inspiration.”
- Kangana Ranaut’s Take: The actress-politician supported the idea of bias, but turned it on Rahman, accusing him of “political prejudice” for allegedly refusing to work on her film Emergency.
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