Rising Above The Controversy, Music Composer A R Rahman Heads Into A Landmark 2026

A R Rahman was in the news recently with his comments where he had hinted that the film industry may be getting communal due to which he is not getting enough work as expected in the Hindi cinema. The music composer later had clarified his statement after the backlash on the internet and made himself clear of the controversy. He said his intention was misunderstood. He further clarified that he always aimed to uplift, honor and serve India through his music. 

The recent interview with BBC Asian Network that had sparked a frenzy on the internet. The Oscar winning musician‘s interview suggested the under currents in the Bollywood creative fabric which triggered off a nationwide debate which got few veteran artists and contemporary stars like him into the controversy.

Addressing on his patriotic album Vande Mataram that had marked the 50 years of Independence, the composer had created the iconic track, ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam; along with the director and producer Bharat Bala. This composition has continued to remain one of the best tracks of A R Rahman over the years.

Though the music composer did say being patriotic and the teachings of Islam inspired him to make, ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ song, the song was addressed to mother India, a beautiful expression so that every youth in the country can relate to it without any bias. The song should bridge this discrimination between religions and reach out to every youth from every religion all around the world and not just for India. With the NRI;s living out of India, they should also feel the sense of belonging like they have at home. 

Rahman recalled the idea for Vande Mataram came from Bharat Bala and that Bala’s father had told him to do something for the country. He further stated, ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’was an instant hit with the kind of energy and emotions it created while it made you stand a little taller, its no wonder the song was heard everywhere. From School halls to the Parades at the Republic Day Celebrations.

The Vande Mataram album was released in 1997 and went on to become one of the largest selling non-filmy albums. The timing of the release had commemorated with the 50^th anniversary of India’s Independence. The music scored to instill a sense of patriotic pride in every India and bring in the national unity amongst the people of India. Ever since its first release of the album, and its title song, ‘ Maa Tujhe Salaam’ set the patriotic mood of the country. The song was sung by Rahman himself to represent the feeling of patriotic unity in India and has been a pivotal music at several national and regional events in the country. The track has been performed in 265 different languages and A R Rahman entered the Guinness World Record for being the composer of the original song.

The ace music composer clarified further by saying music has always been his way of connecting to people, celebrating and honoring the culture of India. Music is his inspiration while India is his teacher and his home. He concluded that his work will honor the past, celebrates the present and will inspire the future.

A R Rahman Responds to Ramayan Controversy

Rising above the controversy, A R Rahman heads into the new landmark in 2026. He is co-scoring the epic Ramayana with the Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer. The Oscar winning composer is doing music for a film based on Hindu mythology despite being a Muslim

Rahman, speaking of his composition for Ramayan, stated, “I am a Muslim and studied in a Brahmin School, so he knows the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Not many may be aware that Rahman was born into a Hindu family and was named A.S Dileep Kumar, born to R. K. Shekhar and Kasthuri, a Hindu who converted and became Kareema Begum after his father’s death. And A R Rahman converted to Islam when he was 23.

He believes, music is beyond any communal discrimination or over religion and its on the virtue of a person, the higher ideals and the good things we learn from. He stated he is proud of the whole project because its from India that we give to the whole world with love. While he also clarified that he is a Muslim, Hanz Zimmer is Jewish and the Ramayana is Hindu mythology! As individuals, we need to rise above the petty things said the composer.

On his other work front, A R Rahman will also step in front of the camera as an actor debut as an ‘Angry Young Director’ in Moonwalk. His silent thriller, ‘Gandhi Talk’s and the drama ‘Peddi; a high energy Telugu Sports drama reaffirming his creative momentum continues.