New Delhi: Actor Paresh Rawal has come out in support of AR Rahman after the singer and music composer shared a video message clarifying his remarks about losing work in Bollywood. Rahman, whose interview with BBC Asian Network made headlines for his comments on Bollywood, shared a clarification video on 18 January, apologising for unintentionally causing pain with his statement.
The Hera Pheri actor re-shared a video of Rahman and referred to the composer as the nation’s “pride”.
“We love you, sir. You are our pride,” wrote Paresh Rawal, adding a heart emoji to his message.
In the BBC interview, Rahman said that work from the Hindi film industry has slowed down for him in the last eight years.
“It might be a communal thing also, but it is not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers,” said Rahman in his interview with the host Haroon Rashid.
In response to Rahman’s remarks, lyricist Javed Akhtar denied the existence of any communal sentiment in Bollywood. Singer Shaan also mentioned that it is a matter of preference when it comes to hiring singers or composers. On social media, too, there have been negative reactions about Rahman’s words.
In his video, Rahman addressed the reactions to what he had said. “I understand that sometimes intentions are misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt,” he added.
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‘He sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at almost every concert’
Rawal is not the only person from the entertainment fraternity who has extended support to Rahman. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who has collaborated with Rahman in films like Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Guru (2007) and Thug Life (2025), also defended the composer. When a journalist complained that Rahman had refused to sing Vande Mataram at an event, Sripaada shared her stance.
“He sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at almost every concert @bainjal – everyone who has attended the concerts knows this. Maybe he felt his voice was not at its best or just didn’t feel like singing that day when you interviewed him. And that’s OK,” wrote Sripaada, tagging the journalist.
Actor Meerra Chopraa, who is part of the film Gandhi Talks featuring music by Rahman, also supported the composer. “Only two Indians have truly taken India to the global stage in a way the whole world recognizes — @priyankachopra and @arrahman. Trolling him for something he didnt even mean is not just wrong, it’s disgraceful. Respect the legend. He’s the one who composed the most iconic #vandemataram,” wrote Chopraa on X.
Five years ago, Rahman had said something similar during an interview with Radio Mirchi.
He claimed that there is a ‘gang’ in the Hindi film industry that is preventing him from getting work.
“People are expecting me to do stuff, but there is another gang of people preventing that from happening. It is fine because I believe in destiny. I believe that everything comes from God,” Rahman had said during the interview.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)