Salim Merchant, popular singer and composer, showed disapproval of musician AR Rahman’s recent statement over purported communal bias in the Hindi film industry. He noted that Rahman is currently linked to one of the largest films in Indian cinema, Ramayana, implying that the composer would not have been involved in such a significant production if communal bias truly existed.
“I don’t think that is true. With all due respect to what Rahman said, he may be right in his own way and speaking from his own experience, but I don’t think that’s the case. I feel that if the composer who is doing one of the biggest films in the history of Indian cinema, based on a Hindu epic like Ramayana, is Rahman, then I don’t think there is any communal problem in the industry. But that is my take on it and my opinion. He might have his own reasons,” he outlined in an interview.
Similar opinions have been expressed by a number of other prominent figures in the film industry, including Rani Mukerji, Manoj Muntashir, Zoya Afroz and others who disagreed with Rahman’s statement.
Afterwards, he offered an explanation owing to the severe backlash as his hypocrisy was called out. He stated, “Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring cultures. 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.”
“See, in life, you have to prepare. And we have to prepare for everything. But you know what, it’s better we move on with something else because people who know you don’t need an explanation. And when you explain, they won’t listen to you, those who don’t,” he mentioned in a Noise and Grainspodcast.
A major row was caused by Rahman’s comments that alluded to a “communal” atmosphere in the Hindi film industry. “Maybe I never get to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this. 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,” he claimed in an interview with BBC Asian Network. Rahman sarcastically remarked that he was pleased to spend time with his family.
He further alleged, “It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their 5 composers. I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search of work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”
