"This is my ISSUE with Rahman", Rabbi Shergill sparks fiery debate on Hindi film lyrics

Singer Rabbi Shergill has reignited a long simmering conversation around Hindi film music and its changing priorities, offering an unfiltered perspective on how soundtracks evolved after the 1990s. His remarks have struck a chord across the music community, especially among listeners who grew up valuing lyrical depth.

Speaking on Divas Gupta’s podcast, the singer made it clear that his comments come from artistic concern rather than personal criticism, even as he praised one of India’s most celebrated composers, A.R. Rahman.

If lyrics become secondary, that means expression becomes secondary, it means that somewhere your humanity and existence become secondary, this is my issue with Rahman,

- Rabbi Shergill (as told on Divya Gupta's podcast)

“Lyrics Became Secondary”

“I admire Rahman for his creative genius. He is a genius. There is no doubt about it,” Rabbi said, before drawing a sharp distinction between musical brilliance and lyrical focus. He followed it up with a striking observation, saying, “But Rahman phase is not pro poetry or pro lyrics phase in Hindi film industry.”

According to Rabbi, the shift went beyond music arrangements and entered the realm of expression itself. “I feel after Rahman came, the lyrics in the Hindi film industry became secondary, and if lyrics become secondary, that means expression becomes secondary, it means that somewhere your humanity and existence become secondary, this is my issue with Rahman,” he stated.

“It Is Not His Fault”

Despite the strong words, Rabbi clarified that his criticism was not aimed at the composer personally. “It is not his fault because it is not his language. He doesn’t understand it,” he said, referring to Hindi. He then questioned the industry’s role in these creative decisions, adding, “If somebody doesn’t understand your language, I think it was your call.”

The irony is that Rabbi himself has worked with Rahman, notably on Raanjhana, making his perspective even more layered. Rahman’s journey from assisting Ilaiyaraaja to redefining film music with albums like Rangeela, Dil Se and Taal is legendary. His Oscar win for Jai Ho only cemented his global stature, and his upcoming collaboration with Hans Zimmer for Ramayana shows his reach remains unmatched.

Yet Rabbi’s comments highlight a deeper artistic tension that refuses to fade. As Bollywood continues to chase scale, sound and global appeal, the debate over whether poetry lost its throne in the process is back in the spotlight, louder than ever.