AR Rahman Speaks Candidly About Declining Work Opportunities in Bollywood
Renowned music composer and Oscar winner AR Rahman has recently spoken about the noticeable decline in his work assignments in Bollywood over the past decade. In an interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman attributed this change to shifting power structures within the film industry.
Rahman explained that he has never actively pursued projects, noting that changes in the industry’s internal dynamics may have affected the kind of opportunities coming his way. “Over the last eight years, there has been a power shift. People who are not creatively inclined seem to be in control now. It could also be communal in nature, but it’s never been directly expressed to me—it reaches me more like whispers,” he said.
Sharing his perspective on losing projects, Rahman revealed that despite being officially booked for films, music companies sometimes opted to bring in multiple composers instead. “That’s fine with me. It gives me more time to relax and spend with my family. I don’t chase work. I believe work should come to me based on sincerity and merit. Whatever I deserve, I receive,” he added.
The composer also reflected on his early days in Bollywood, recalling how he often felt like an outsider despite his growing success. It was the film Taal that ultimately established him as a household name across India.
Rahman further discussed language as a challenge during his initial Bollywood journey. “I didn’t speak Hindi at all. For a Tamil person, it’s not easy because of the deep cultural attachment to our language,” he said. On the advice of filmmaker Subhash Ghai, Rahman chose to learn Urdu instead, describing it as the “mother language of Hindi film music.”
When asked about possible prejudice against South Indian artists in the Hindi film industry, Rahman maintained a measured stance. “If it existed, it was subtle. I never personally felt targeted. But today, people without creative vision hold most of the power,” he remarked.
On the professional front, AR Rahman is set to compose music for an upcoming film directed by Mari Selvaraj and starring Dhanush.
