Javed Akhtar, Shaan, Hariharan, Celebs REACT To AR Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Remark; Say, “There’s No Minority Angle In Music”

As AR Rahman's remark about not getting work owing to 'communal whispers' & 'power shift' continues to grab eyes, Javed Akhtar, Shaan, Hariharan & other musician weigh in. Read on to know what they say

Javed Akhtar React To AR Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Remark

Sharing his views, Javed Akhtar revealed he has never experienced this sentiment in Mumbai. Stressing that AR Rahman continues to command immense respect across the industry, the established lyricist told IANS, “I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him.” Adding that many may assume the composer is largely unavailable due to his packed international schedule and large-scale shows, Akhtar continued, “People may think that he has become very busy in the West. They may think that his shows are very big. He spends a lot of time in those shows. So, he may not be available for us.”

Javed Akhtar also pointed out that Rahman’s stature could be a reason why small producers hesitate to approach him. He said, “Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him.” Dismissing the idea of any communal element being the reason for him not getting work, Javed Ji said, “But I don’t think there is any communal element in this. Why don’t you see him? He will definitely come.”

Shaan On AR Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Comment

During a conversation with IANS, Shaan highlighted that there are times when even he struggled in getting projects, but he doesn’t take it personally. He said, “When it comes to not getting work, I am standing right here in front of you. I have sung so much over the years, yet even I don’t get work at times. But I don’t take it personally, because it is a personal matter; everyone has their own thinking and their own preferences.”

The ‘Woh Ladki Hai Kahan’ singer further added, “If there were any such issue, I don’t think there is any communal or minority angle in music. Music doesn’t work that way. If that were the case, then even our three superstars of the last 30 years, who you could say also belong to minorities, would not have continued to grow. That’s not how it is. Do good work, make good music, and don’t overthink these things.”

In another video shared by the same agency, Shan states, “People have their own opinions, and they will always be divided. There is no rule that everyone must have the same opinion. But one should not give it too much importance, because behind every song there is a thought.” He also noted, “Based on their own thinking, the composer or producer makes decisions. Some people will say it is right, others will say it is wrong. Why should we get entangled in that? There is no benefit in getting caught up in it.”

Hariharan, Leslie Lewis On Rahman’s Comments

Reacting to Rahman’s comment, legendary singer Hariharan described the current ecosystem as neither black nor white. Calling it a ‘grey area,’ he said, “I really wish there were more creative people, or at least people who genuinely understand music, taking these calls.” He further stressed that sensitivity to music must come before commercial considerations. He shared, “You have to think about creativity first and money later. If you only think of money when it comes to art, then who knows what the future will be.”

Commenting on Rahman’s statement, composer and singer Leslie Lewis agreed that a power shift has indeed taken place. However, he added that he believes it has happened organically. Lewis said, “There has been a shift in the music industry itself. It’s not just the old players anymore. New people with new thoughts have come in, and digital platforms have changed the parameters completely.”

Lewis pointed out that platforms like YouTube and Instagram have allowed artists to become their own labels, increasing output but also corporatising decision making. He stated, “Earlier, the people judging us had experience and creative instinct. Today, it’s very corporate. The person taking the call is often making sure their job is secure. They may love music, but they don’t always have the experience to decide who the right artist is.”

Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Remark

During a recent interaction with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman spoke about not pursuing Hindi projects for a reason. Revealing the cause, he said, “Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now.” The Oscar winning composer also added, “It might be a communal thing also, but it is 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.”

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Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.