Shobhaa De Calls AR Rahman’s Remarks on Bollywood ‘Very Dangerous’
Veteran author says Hindi film industry rewards talent over religion, disagrees with Rahman’s claims of bias
Jaipur, Jan 17: Veteran author and columnist Shobhaa De on Saturday strongly criticised Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s recent remarks suggesting religious bias in Bollywood, calling them “very dangerous” and contrary to the industry’s long-standing culture of meritocracy.
Speaking at a session on her new book at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2026, De said she has witnessed the Hindi film industry for decades and believes talent not religion determines success.
“This is a very dangerous comment. I don’t know why he has made it,” De said. “I have been watching Bollywood for 50 years, and if there is any place free of communal tension, it is Bollywood. If you have talent, you will get a chance. If you don’t, religion has nothing to do with it.”
Referring to Rahman’s stature, she added that such remarks were unexpected from someone of his experience. “He is a successful and mature man. He should not have said it. Maybe he has his reasons, but that is for him to explain,” she said.
Rahman, in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, had said that work from the Hindi film industry has slowed for him in recent years, attributing it to changing dynamics in Bollywood over the past eight years.
During the session, De also spoke on international issues, expressing concern over the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh. While acknowledging the complex historical relationship between India and Bangladesh, she condemned recent incidents targeting Hindus and said the matter deserved strong condemnation.
“What is happening to our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh must be condemned,” De said, expressing confidence that the Indian government would take appropriate steps to address the situation.
She also addressed the situation in Iran, describing the ongoing violence as deeply disturbing. De noted that India has condemned the atrocities, issued a travel advisory, and is working to bring Indian citizens home, reflecting the seriousness with which the government is viewing the crisis.
Meanwhile, the second day of the Jaipur Literature Festival opened with a folk music performance by Bhanwari Devi of the Bhopa community, followed by a session featuring World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand in conversation with Rahul Bhattacharya on Anand’s career and his latest book Lightning Kid.
The festival also announced a new international edition JLF Island of Ireland, scheduled to be held from May 22 to May 31, 2026, expanding the festival’s global footprint.
