'Phir Hindu hojayein aur try kare': Anup Jalota on A.R Rahman's CONTROVERSIAL 'communal thing' remark

A fresh controversy has emerged around Oscar winning composer AR Rahman after a statement he made during a recent interview gained widespread attention. In the interview, Rahman hinted that his reduced presence in Hindi films could be linked to what he described as a “communal thing.” His comment quickly became a talking point, prompting reactions from several figures within the music fraternity and beyond. As the discussion grew online, an old style video message by bhajan singer Anup Jalota began circulating widely, adding a new dimension to the debate.

In the now viral clip, Anup Jalota addresses Rahman’s remark by referring to the composer’s personal religious journey. Speaking in Hindi, Jalota says, “Music director AR Rahman pehle Hindu the. Uske baad unhone Islam dharm apna liya aur bahut kaam kiya, bahut naam kamaya, logon ke dilon mein bahut achchi jagah banayi. Lekin agar unhein is baat ka vishwas hai ki hamare desh mein Musalman hone ki wajah se unko filmein nahi mil rahi music dene ke liye. Toh woh phir se Hindu ho jaayein.'' The statement immediately drew attention for its direct reference to religion in the context of professional opportunities.

Jalota did not stop there and went on to expand his point further in the same video. He added, “Toh unko yeh vishwas hona chahiye ki unko Hindu hone se, convert ho jaane ke baad, phir se filmein milna shuru ho jaayengi. Yahi toh unka matlab hai. Toh mera sujhav hai woh Hindu ho jaayein aur phir try karein ki unko phir se filmein milti hai ke nahi”.

Music director AR Rahman pehle Hindu the. Uske baad unhone Islam dharm apna liya aur bahut kaam kiya, bahut naam kamaya, logon ke dilon mein bahut achchi jagah banayi. Lekin agar unhein is baat ka vishwas hai ki hamare desh mein Musalman hone ki wajah se unko filmein nahi mil rahi music dene ke liye. Toh woh phir se Hindu ho jaayein

- A.R Rahman

The clip’s circulation has intensified the spotlight on Rahman’s original observation and has reignited broader conversations about faith, perception and fairness within the film industry. While some defended Rahman’s right to express his experience, others criticised the way the issue was being framed. As of now, AR Rahman has not issued a response to Anup Jalota’s remarks, but the episode continues to generate debate online.