AR Rahman Opens Up About Bollywood Career and Industry Changes

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has publicly reflected on his evolving journey in the Hindi film industry, revealing that he has taken on fewer Bollywood projects over the past eight years. Rahman suggested that a shift in industry power dynamics — with “people who are not creative” gaining influence — has influenced the kinds of opportunities available to him.

Rahman, who made his Bollywood debut with classics like Roja and later achieved immense success with films such as Bombay, Dil Se… and Rangeela, described feeling like an outsider early in his career, noting that it took time for him to be fully embraced by mainstream Hindi cinema.

Asked about perceptions of bias or discrimination within the industry, Rahman acknowledged that “it might be a communal thing also”, but clarified that such sentiments were never direct or overt — rather, they reached him indirectly through “Chinese whispers” about projects going to multiple other composers.

Rather than chasing work, Rahman said he prefers to let meaningful opportunities come to him, focusing on projects that align with his creative intent while spending time with his family.