All posts tagged: AR Rahman news

‘He thinks so differently’: AR Rahman on ‘epic’ collaboration with Hans Zimmer for Ramayana | Bollywood News

‘He thinks so differently’: AR Rahman on ‘epic’ collaboration with Hans Zimmer for Ramayana | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

3 min readNew DelhiMay 24, 2026 04:39 PM IST Ever since the teaser of Ramayana dropped, anticipation around Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic has been steadily building online. Headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, the two-part film is being positioned as one of the most ambitious and expensive projects ever mounted in Indian cinema, with reports pegging its budget at nearly Rs 4,000 crore. Adding to the scale of the project, AR Rahman has teamed up with legendary German composer Hans Zimmer for the soundtrack. In a recent interview, Rahman described their collaboration as “epic” and called Ramayana the biggest film of his career. During a chat with Faridoon Shahryar, Rahman was asked about his experience of working with composer Zimmer, who has won two Academy Awards and four Grammys in his career. “I think it’s an epic collaboration. That too, to do a film which is our own, from our country and culture. Bringing him as almost like an ambassador to the world, to non-Indians. His name is going to make many people watch the movie definitely. …

‘If AR Rahman is composing for Ramayana, I don’t think there is any communal problem in the industry’: Salim Merchant | Bollywood News

‘If AR Rahman is composing for Ramayana, I don’t think there is any communal problem in the industry’: Salim Merchant | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

3 min readNew DelhiMar 9, 2026 08:00 PM IST Singer-composer Salim Merchant has become the latest voice to disagree with AR Rahman’s recent remark about alleged communal bias in the Hindi film industry. In a recent interview, Salim pointed out that Rahman is currently associated with one of the biggest films in Indian cinema—Ramayana—suggesting that if communal bias truly existed, the composer would not have been part of such a major project. In an interview with IANS, Salim said, “I don’t think that is true. With all due respect to what Rahman said, he may be right in his own way and speaking from his own experience, but I don’t think that’s the case.” He further explained his perspective by referring to AR Rahman’s involvement in the ambitious mythological film. “I feel that if the composer who is doing one of the biggest films in the history of Indian cinema—based on a Hindu epic like Ramayana—is Rahman, then I don’t think there is any communal problem in the industry. But that is my take on …

Sonu Nigam describes AR Rahman as ‘not a friendly person’, defends his introverted nature: ‘He will not hurt anybody’s heart’ | Bollywood News

Sonu Nigam describes AR Rahman as ‘not a friendly person’, defends his introverted nature: ‘He will not hurt anybody’s heart’ | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

3 min readChennaiFeb 12, 2026 10:16 AM IST AR Rahman recently became the centre of controversy after he spoke about the supposed ‘communal’ undercurrent in the industry and said that it was perhaps because of this that he wasn’t getting as much work in the film industry. Now, an old clip of Sonu Nigam has resurfaced, in which the singer spoke about how Rahman is “not a friendly person.” In an earlier conversation with O2 India, Sonu said, “Rahman doesn’t have relationships. He is not the kind of person who has relationships. He doesn’t open up to anyone. At least, I have never seen that. Perhaps, he opens up in front of his older friends, who have known him as Dileep. But I haven’t seen him opening up or having any relationship with anybody. He is not a friendly person. He is just into his work.” The singer recalled how his conversations with Rahman were limited to polite exchanges like ‘hi’ and ‘how are you?’ when they went on a US tour together. “He doesn’t know …

AR Ameen says his father AR Rahman always scolds him: ‘His legacy has reached a place no one can imagine’ | Bollywood News

AR Ameen says his father AR Rahman always scolds him: ‘His legacy has reached a place no one can imagine’ | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

3 min readNew DelhiFeb 2, 2026 06:25 PM IST AR Rahman recently made headlines following remarks about communal bias in the Hindi film industry. Amid the ongoing discussion, the focus has now shifted to a more personal and musical milestone—his 23-year-old son AR Ameen has released his song :Bheegi Bheegi”. The song features Sita Ramam stars Mrunal Thakur and Dulquer Salmaan, with vocals by Ameen and Jasleen Royal. While promoting the track, Ameen opened up about working closely with his Oscar-winning father and shared insights into their creative camaraderie. When asked if Rahman ever scolds him, Ameen told Filmygyan with a smile, “He always scolds me.” He added: “But the process of making this song was very special. A big thanks to Jasleen—her voice is amazing. The texture of her voice added so much warmth to the song. My dad and I are working together and producing it. We added an Afrobeat vibe, and thanks to Irshad Kamil ji, who penned such beautiful lyrics for this.” Speaking about love, Ameen paused before offering a heartfelt …

AR Rahman just showed the tip of the iceberg, says Amaal Malik: ‘Labels work only with their artistes’ | Bollywood News

AR Rahman just showed the tip of the iceberg, says Amaal Malik: ‘Labels work only with their artistes’ | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

3 min readNew DelhiJan 30, 2026 09:15 PM IST AR Rahman’s recent remark about “communal bias” in the Hindi film industry has sparked widespread debate, with several members of the entertainment fraternity weighing in on the issue. The latest to react is singer-composer Amaal Malik, who said that while he understands the larger point Rahman was trying to make, he does not agree with the communal angle attached to it. In a conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, Amaal explained, “From an industry perspective, what he has said is largely correct. However, I do not agree with the communal aspect of it. Forget nepotism and groupism — today, every label is comfortable working with its own set of artistes. They promote those artistes because they bring revenue. In today’s time, labels have become the real decision-makers.” Elaborating further, Amaal added, “This is the era of management and agencies. There is groupism, both in good and bad ways. You can see how Mani Ratnam sir works almost exclusively with Rahman sir, or how Anurag Basu mostly collaborates with …

When AR Rahman called Arijit Singh ‘reckless’ and said he is proud of him: ‘He works from his village’: | Bollywood News

When AR Rahman called Arijit Singh ‘reckless’ and said he is proud of him: ‘He works from his village’: | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

3 min readUpdated: Jan 29, 2026 09:49 PM IST Arijit Singh shocked the music world on Tuesday evening when he announced his retirement from playback singing. The news proved deeply disheartening not only for his fans, but also for admirers of Hindi film music at large. At a time when contemporary music is already perceived to be struggling, imagining the industry without a voice like Arijit’s feels bleak. However, the decision was one he took for his own well-being. Since the day of the announcement, several musicians have wished him well for the journey ahead, while others have fondly recalled his working style and deep passion for music. Just recently, ahead of Arijit’s retirement, music composer AR Rahman, with whom the singer has delivered several hits, including the more recent, heart-touching song “Vida Karo”, spoke about their collaboration in a chat with BBC Asian Network. Rahman said, “He’s a great musician. He’s a producer; he knows the art of producing and he is reckless also, like working from his village, which is very cool.” He …

RGV dismisses AR Rahman’s communal claim: ‘Film industry is only about making money, don’t care about caste, religion’ | Bollywood News

RGV dismisses AR Rahman’s communal claim: ‘Film industry is only about making money, don’t care about caste, religion’ | Bollywood News

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Indian composer AR Rahman stirred controversy after he claimed getting less work over the last eight years, as he suggested that the film industry may be growing communal. The comments started a nationwide debate, with people occupying both opposing camps. Director Ram Gopal Varma, who has previously worked with Rahman, recently shared his thoughts on the whole matter and whether he thinks Rahman’s allegations hold any water. While appearing on Faridoon Shahryar’s podcast, Varma was asked about Rahman’s comments and what he thinks about the whole debate. The Satya director replied, “I don’t really want to make a comment on what he said about the communal aspect. Because I do not believe that. I feel that the film industry is only about making money. Whoever makes money for them, they will go after that. They don’t care about your caste, religion — or where you’re from. If the South Indian film directors are making films which are blockbusters, they will go to them.” ALSO READ: ‘AR Rahman doesn’t know Hindi’: Rabbi Shergill says lyrics in …

‘The facts simply don’t support AR Rahman’s communal assertion’: Sona Mohapatra | Music News

‘The facts simply don’t support AR Rahman’s communal assertion’: Sona Mohapatra | Music News

Published by Parlour News

Playback singer and independent musician Sona Mohapatra, known for chart-toppers such as Ambarsariya, Bedardi Raja and Jiya Laage Na, among others, spoke to The Indian Express about Oscar and Grammy-winning composer AR Rahman’s recent BBC interview that sparked intense public debate and said that “the facts simply don’t support AR’s communal assertion“. In his interview, the Chennai-based composer spoke of a “power shift” in the Hindi film industry, besides losing out on work in the last eight years due to the communal environment in India. After much backlash, Rahman came out with a clarification, calling India his inspiration. “I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music,” he said in a video statement. ALSO READ: ‘We need to weigh our words carefully,’ says Manoj Muntashir amid AR Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ remark “He scored Chhaava. He is scoring Ramayana. He continues to be attached to some of the biggest, most high-profile projects in the country, while also being globally active and constantly travelling and …

‘We need to weigh our words carefully,’ says Manoj Muntashir amid AR Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ remark | Bollywood News

‘We need to weigh our words carefully,’ says Manoj Muntashir amid AR Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ remark | Bollywood News

Published by Webster

AR Rahman made headlines after he claimed there was a “communal” bias in the Hindi film industry, which he said had impacted the amount of work he received. After several celebrities shared their views on the matter — with many disagreeing with the Oscar-winning composer — lyricist Manoj Muntashir has now stated that public figures must be mindful of the impact of their words. In an interview with India Today, Manoj, who has himself often been at the receiving end of online trolling for his statements, said, “There is one thing common between water and speech (paani and vaani). If they cross their limits, the result is the same — destruction. When you speak as a public figure and many people listen to you — I am also talking about Mithoon and others — it becomes our collective responsibility. When we say anything in the public domain, we must think a hundred times. We must ask ourselves whether our words could impact the social fabric of this country and whether they could send out a …

Did Ram Gopal Varma claim Sukhwinder Singh was real composer of ‘Jai Ho’ and not AR Rahman? Director breaks silence: ‘He’s the last person to…’ | Bollywood News

Did Ram Gopal Varma claim Sukhwinder Singh was real composer of ‘Jai Ho’ and not AR Rahman? Director breaks silence: ‘He’s the last person to…’ | Bollywood News

Published by Parlour News

Ever since Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman shared that the volume of work coming his way has dipped over the last eight years and mentioned that he suspects the reason for this “might be communal,” social media has been abuzz as many have criticised him for speaking candidly. Celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, slammed Rahman for his remarks, others, like Chinmayi Sripaada and Kailas Menon, came out in support of the maestro. Amid all the clamour, certain older comments of veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma about Rahman have come back into the spotlight, particularly since he purportedly claimed that the hit track “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire (2008), for which Rahman won an Academy Award, was originally composed by legendary playback singer Sukhwinder Singh. Must Read | I am a Muslim, composing for Ramayana, says AR Rahman: ‘I studied in a Brahmin school, value the good things’ Now, Varma himself has stepped forward, offering clarification and maintaining that he is being misquoted and that his remarks are being misread out of context. “To all concerned, I am …