AR Rahman broke his silence after criticism, said- My intention was never to hurt anyone, listen to the video message…

Read Desk. Music composer AR Rahman has responded to the criticism over his comments made in an interview through a video message, in which he expressed his continued devotion towards India and clarified the intention behind his words.

AR Rahman, who has been at the center of public debate over alleged discrimination in Bollywood, issued a statement explaining his motivations. This statement was accompanied by footage of his song ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam/Vande Mataram’ performed in a cricket match, which shows his cultural contribution.

In his video statement, Rahman described India as his inspiration and home, and emphasized the role music has played in bringing unity in his life.

He said, “Music has always been my way of connecting with, celebrating and honoring our culture. India is my inspiration, my guru and my home. I understand that sometimes intentions can be misunderstood. But my intention has always been to uplift, honor and serve people through music. I never wanted to hurt anyone, and I hope my sincerity is felt.”

Rahman gave examples of his efforts to celebrate India’s diversity through artistic projects. These include promoting Jhala at the WAVES Summit, participating in Rooh-e-Noor, and collaboration with young Naga musicians. He also mentioned building his string orchestra, mentoring Sunshine Orchestra, creating Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band—and his recent work on the score of Ramayana with Hans Zimmer.

“I feel blessed to be Indian, which helps me create a space that always gives freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. From promoting Jhala and Rooh-e-Noor, presented before the Honorable Prime Minister at the WAVES Summit, to collaborating with young Naga musicians, creating a string orchestra, mentoring Sunshine Orchestra, creating Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band, and Hans The honor of scoring Ramayan with Zimmer has strengthened my purpose.”

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the country and his commitment to honoring India’s past through music, saying, “I am grateful to this country and committed to music that honors the past,” as he showed a stadium audience singing his song Maa Tujhe Salaam/Vande Mataram.

The controversy began when, during an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked about his experiences as a Tamil musician in Bollywood. Asked if he ever felt any discrimination, Rahman said, “Maybe I never knew about it, maybe God hid it, but I didn’t feel anything like that. In the last eight years, maybe, because there has been a power shift, and now people who are not creative have the power. It could also be a communal thing but that’s not in my mind.”

Rehman also criticized ‘Chaava’, calling the project a project that takes advantage of division, although he did not elaborate further. His comments on the changing power dynamics in Bollywood have drawn different reactions on social media and in the entertainment world.

After the interview, Rehman had to face criticism and opposition, after which he had to clarify in front of the public. In his message, Rahman reiterated his intention to use music as a tool for cultural unity and emphasized his belief in freedom of expression and celebration of multicultural voices in India.

Rahman’s response and the discussion that followed drew attention to larger issues of representation and creative control in the Indian music and film industry, with the composer reaffirming his dedication to the positive contribution and uplifting power of music.

Watch the video message…