Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has recently revealed that the Hindi film industry has undergone a visible shift in power over the past eight years, a transformation he suggests may have taken on “a communal dimension.” This change, he notes, has directly influenced the nature of opportunities and projects that have come his way.
Known affectionately as the “Mozart of Madras” in Bengali media circles, Rahman spoke to BBC Asian Network, saying:
“Perhaps I hadn’t noticed earlier, or perhaps it was God’s will that I didn’t see it. But over the last eight years, there has definitely been a change in power. Those currently in positions of influence are not particularly creative. It may even have communal implications… though it hasn’t occurred directly in front of me.”
Reflecting on the milestones of his illustrious career, Rahman highlighted Subhash Ghai’s Taal as a pivotal moment. He explained, “‘Taal’ is a kind of music that resonates in everyone’s heart. It still runs through the veins of people in northern India, because it blends Punjabi, Hindi, and hill-region musical traditions in a unique way.“
When questioned about alleged bias against South Indian or Tamil artists in the Hindi film industry during the 1990s, Rahman admitted that he had largely remained insulated from such controversies. In recent years, however, he acknowledges, the landscape has shifted. Rahman remarked:
“I’ve occasionally heard of bookings where a music company employs five composers instead of one. But I say, fine—it allows me to spend time with my family. I don’t chase work; I prefer work to come to me. I receive what I rightfully deserve according to my integrity.”
Rahman’s Bollywood journey began with Taal, a soundtrack that won him recognition across India. Since then, he has composed for films including Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se, as well as projects in multiple languages, reshaping the soundscape of Indian cinema.
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, Siddharth Jadhav | 30 January 2026 |
| Ramayana | Nitesh Tiwari | Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Yash | Planned 2026 commercial release |
Rahman is also collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer on the Ramayana project, which draws upon the epic Indian mythological tale and combines both seasoned and emerging actors.
Rahman’s recent reflections and ongoing work demonstrate that he is far from resting on past laurels. With a keen eye for future projects, he continues to redefine the musical narrative of Indian cinema, cementing his place as one of the industry’s most distinctive and influential figures.