Imtiaz Ali reacts STRONGLY on A.R. Rahman's communal remark: "I do not actually believe that he....."

The recent controversy surrounding AR Rahman and his alleged “communal” remarks has sparked intense debate across social media and news platforms. As opinions flew thick and fast, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali stepped in with a calm and measured response, standing firmly by the Oscar-winning composer and calling the uproar a clear case of misinterpretation rather than intent.

Imtiaz Ali Says Rahman’s Words Were Twisted

Imtiaz Ali, who has shared a long creative bond with Rahman through films like Rockstar, Tamasha and most recently Amar Singh Chamkila, spoke openly about the issue in an interview. The filmmaker made it clear that he does not believe the Hindi film industry functions with any communal bias. Having spent years in the industry, Imtiaz said he has never personally witnessed such discrimination and described Rahman as one of the most sincere and respected individuals he has worked with.

Addressing the remarks that triggered the backlash, Imtiaz suggested that Rahman’s statements may not have been presented in the right context. According to him, the version of comments doing the rounds does not truly reflect what the composer intended to say. He added that he could not recall a single instance of communal hostility during his time in the film world, reinforcing his belief that the controversy has been blown out of proportion.

Rahman Clarifies, Reaffirms His Love for India

Before Imtiaz’s defence, AR Rahman himself had already responded to the criticism. In a video message, the composer expressed regret over the pain his words may have caused and reiterated his deep emotional connection with India. He explained that music has always been his way of celebrating the country, its culture and its spirit.

Rahman also highlighted how statements can often be misunderstood, especially when taken out of context. Ending his message on a patriotic note, he shared visuals of Maa Tujhe Salaam and Vande Mataram playing at a cricket stadium, underlining where his heart truly lies.

A Row That Snowballed Quickly

The controversy began after Rahman spoke to BBC Asian Network about whether he had ever felt prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer. While he said he personally never experienced it, he briefly reflected on changing power dynamics in recent years and hinted that non-creative voices now hold more influence. His comments, including criticism of films that profit from divisiveness, sparked sharp reactions online, leading to widespread backlash and demands for clarification.

Despite the noise, Rahman continues to focus on work. He is currently composing music for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the ambitious project set for a Diwali 2026 release.