Rabbi Shergill on AR Rahman

Singer says lyrics became secondary in Hindi films after Rahman’s rise

January 22, 2026: Singer-songwriter Rabbi Shergill, known for hits like Bulla Ki Jaana and Tere Bin, has shared his views on working with Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, saying that lyrics often take a backseat in Rahman’s Hindi film compositions. While praising Rahman’s creative brilliance, Shergill remarked that the composer’s limited understanding of Hindi may have contributed to lyrics becoming “secondary” in mainstream Bollywood music.

Speaking on a podcast, Shergill said that after Rahman’s entry into Hindi cinema, poetic expression gradually lost priority. He clarified that his criticism was not personal, stating that Hindi is not Rahman’s primary language and that the composer excels in the Tamil music space, which he described as “another ball game.” Shergill stressed that his concern lies more with the industry’s approach to music-making, arguing that it is the responsibility of collaborators to bridge language and expression gaps.

The debate around Rahman’s Bollywood presence has intensified in recent months, especially after the composer spoke about receiving fewer Hindi film projects and hinted at possible industry and power dynamics behind it. Following public backlash, Rahman issued a statement reaffirming his deep connection to Indian culture and music, saying his intent has always been to honour diversity and freedom of expression through his work.