‘Industry Work Changes, Not Religion,’ Says Waheeda Rehman on AR Rahman Controversy
Veteran actress offers a measured perspective, attributing shifts in Rahman’s projects to industry trends rather than bias
Mumbai, Jan 27 : Bollywood veteran Waheeda Rehman has shared her thoughts on the recent AR Rahman controversy, taking a calm and philosophical stance. The 87 year old actress, who has been part of the film industry for decades, suggested that changes in Rahman’s work over the past eight years are more reflective of evolving industry dynamics than communal bias.
Speaking to SCREEN, Waheeda said, “Yes, I read about it, but I try to dig less into it. I prefer not to pay attention to it, when everything is going fine. These small things happen in every country.” She emphasized the importance of peace and staying away from unnecessary disputes, adding, “Apni shaanti se raho, yeh mulk hai humaara, bas khush raho.”
On Rahman’s reduced projects, she remarked, “Kaam toh upar neeche hota hi rehta hai. Ek umar ke baad, log kehte hain ki bring somebody new or different. All this can lead to a few people staying behind. Agar vo bahut oonchaai par pahuche hain aur vo vahin rahenge, unhi ko lenge, aisa bhi toh nahi hota na. Upar neeche hota hi rehta hai, aisi koi nayi baat nahi hai.”
The controversy began when Rahman hinted in an interview with BBC Asian Network that a combination of power shifts and potential communal bias might have affected his work in the Hindi film industry over the past eight years. He said, “Maybe it was concealed… maybe a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.”
Rahman later clarified his statements on social media, stressing his love for India and his intentions to serve and uplift through music. He wrote, “India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt.”
Waheeda Rehman’s comments highlight a mature perspective, suggesting that industry fluctuations are natural and that senior artists, like Rahman, continue to command respect despite changing trends in Bollywood.
