Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has recently revealed that the Hindi film industry has undergone a significant power shift over the past eight years, transforming, in his words, into “something of a communal nature.” This change, he explained, has had a tangible impact on the kind of work and opportunities that have come his way.
Known in Bengali circles as the “Madras Mozart,” Rahman spoke to the BBC Asian Network, reflecting on the evolving landscape of Bollywood. “Perhaps I was unaware earlier, or maybe it was not meant for me to see. But over the last eight years, there has been a change in power. Those currently in authority are not particularly creative. It may also have been influenced by communal factors… though it has not affected me directly,” he stated.
Rahman highlighted his landmark work ‘Taal’ directed by Subhash Ghai as an example of a film whose music resonated with audiences across India. “‘Taal’ is the kind of music that embeds itself into the hearts of everyone. Even in North India, its rhythms have become part of the cultural bloodstream, combining Punjabi, Hindi, and Himalayan musical influences,” he said.
Addressing questions about historical biases against Tamil composers in the 1990s, Rahman admitted that he had been relatively insulated at the time. Yet in recent years, circumstances have shifted. “I’ve heard stories where a project might be booked, but the music company engages five other composers. I say that’s fine—this allows me to spend time with my family. I am not chasing work; I prefer the work to come to me. I receive what I deserve based on my integrity,” he explained.
Rahman’s Bollywood journey began with ‘Taal’, a project that brought him nationwide recognition. Since then, he has reshaped the soundscape of Indian cinema, composing for films across multiple languages including ‘Roja’, ‘Bombay’, and ‘Dil Se’, blending classical Indian elements with global influences.
Upcoming Films and Projects
| Film/Project | Director | Lead Cast | Release Date/Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gandhi Talks (Tamil) | Kishore Pandurang Belekar | Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swami, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sidharth Jadhav | 30 January 2026 |
| Ramayana | Nitesh Tiwari | Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Yash | Planned for 2026 |
In addition, Rahman is collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer on Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, a cinematic adaptation of India’s epic mythology. The film aims to combine the talents of both seasoned and emerging actors, promising a visually and musically ambitious experience.
Through his reflections and ongoing projects, Rahman demonstrates that he is not resting on past laurels. Instead, he continues to redefine the musical landscape of Indian cinema, ensuring that each new endeavour pushes creative and cultural boundaries.