AR Rahman Admits Losing Work In Bollywood, Blames Power Shift In Industry

Mumbai: Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman recently revealed that he has lost work in Bollywood over the last eight years due to power shift dynamics in the Hindi film industry.

However, he doesn’t chase work anymore and believes that sincerity attracts work naturally.

“Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now,” Rahman said in a candid interview with BBC Asian Network.

“It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers,” he added.

He further explained that the slowdown has not affected his sense of self-worth or creative peace. Now, instead of actively running after projects, he prefers to let work find him.

“They booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get,” he said.

Revisiting the early years of his Bollywood career, Rahman revealed that despite massive successes, he was not accepted by the industry for long and felt like an outsider.

Rahman made his Hindi debut with Mani Ratnam’s ‘Roja’ in 1991 and his success was followed by ‘Bombay’ and ‘Dil Se’.

“Actually, I was still an outsider with these three,” Rahman admitted.

“But Taal became a household album. It entered the kitchens of everybody,” he added.

Asked if prejudice against non-Maharashtrian artistes exists in Bollywood, Rahman said, “Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this. People who are not creative have the power now.”

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