AR Rahman Speaks Candidly About Bollywood's Changing Landscape
In a recent interview, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman opened up about his evolving relationship with the Hindi film industry. Known globally as the "Mozart of Madras," Rahman revealed a significant decline in his Bollywood projects over the past eight years, from 2018 to 2026. He pointed directly to shifting power dynamics within the industry as the primary reason for this change.
The Rise of 'Non-Creative' Decision-Makers
Speaking to the BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman did not hold back his thoughts on the current state of Bollywood. He explained that the "agency" in music production has moved away from composers and directors. Instead, music labels and corporate entities now hold more influence. Rahman attributed this shift to what he called "non-creative" people gaining power.
"Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now," Rahman stated clearly. He also mentioned encountering "Chinese whispers" regarding communal or regional biases, though he noted these issues rarely confront him directly. "It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers," he added.
Choosing Creative Peace Over Desperation
Rather than chasing after work, Rahman has embraced a path of creative peace. He emphasized that his sincerity should attract projects, not a desperate pursuit. "I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work," he remarked. This approach reflects his commitment to maintaining artistic integrity in an industry undergoing transformation.
Feeling Like an Outsider Despite Iconic Hits
Despite delivering massive and evergreen hits like 'Roja' in 1991, 'Bombay', and 'Dil Se..', Rahman admitted to often feeling like an outsider in Bollywood. It was with Subhash Ghai's directed film 'Taal' in 1999 that he finally felt a true sense of belonging. "Taal became a household album. It entered the kitchens of everybody," Rahman recalled. This album bridged the gap between his Southern roots and Hindi listeners, cementing his pan-Indian presence.
Mastering Languages for Greater Acceptance
Rahman also shared how acceptance in Bollywood required more than just musical talent. Hailing from a Tamil background, he initially found Hindi difficult to master. Encouraged by Subhash Ghai to seek longevity, Rahman chose to learn Urdu, which he calls the "mother of Hindi music" from the golden era. Additionally, his frequent collaborations with Sukhwinder Singh led him to pick up Punjabi. This linguistic effort defined energetic songs like 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' and 'Ramta Jogi'.
Current Projects and Collaborations
On the professional front, AR Rahman's last release as a composer was for Aanand L. Rai's 'Tere Ishk Mein', starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, which came out on November 28, 2025. He is currently collaborating with renowned composer Hans Zimmer for the film 'Ramayana'. This project features a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey.
AR Rahman's insights shed light on the broader challenges faced by creative professionals in today's Bollywood. His journey underscores the importance of adapting while staying true to one's artistic vision.
