BJP, VHP Reject A.R. Rahman’s Remarks

Parties deny ‘communal angle’ behind composer’s fewer Bollywood projects

January 18, 2026: The BJP and the Vishva Hindu Parishad on Friday strongly rejected Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s suggestion that his work opportunities in Hindi cinema have declined due to shifting power structures and possible communal factors. Leaders from both organisations asserted that Bollywood continues to reward talent and merit, not religion or ideology, and dismissed the idea that Rahman’s faith had any bearing on his career trajectory.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy termed Rahman’s remarks “absolutely false” and said the composer has always enjoyed nationwide admiration irrespective of religion. He stressed that Rahman has consistently been celebrated as one of India’s finest music directors and that audiences have never viewed him through a communal lens. BJP Minority Morcha president Syed Bhasha also countered the claim, pointing out that Rahman has delivered major successes in Hindi and international cinema over decades and continues to receive top honours purely on merit.

The VHP echoed similar views, with national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticising Rahman for linking any professional slowdown to communal reasons and highlighting his historic acceptance across regions and communities. Opposition reactions were more restrained, with AIMIM leader Waris Pathan saying he would comment only after fully reviewing Rahman’s statements, urging a balanced and cautious approach to the controversy.