New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The BJP on Friday dismissed the claims made by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman that his work opportunities in the Hindi film industry have diminished in recent years due to changing power structures and potentially a 'communal factor.'

In response to Rahman’s comments, BJP leaders and ministers stated that his assertions lacked substance and affirmed that the film industry operates on the principles of talent and merit, rather than religion.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed disagreement with Rahman’s claims, highlighting that many notable Muslim artists continue to achieve significant success and appreciation throughout the nation.

“I find A.R. Rahman's allegations to be unfounded. The Hindi film industry celebrates numerous Muslim artists, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan, who are adored by audiences in Maharashtra and beyond,” Athawale informed IANS.

BJP MLA Jitendra Kumar Gothwal commented on the increased transparency in the industry over recent years.

“While this matter relates to the film sector, I believe that under the current circumstances, operations are being conducted more transparently. In the past, opportunities were often granted through recommendations from specific leaders. Now, talent is the decisive factor rather than manipulation,” he remarked.

He further suggested that Rahman might be unsettled by these transformations.

The BJP's Minority Morcha president, Syed Bhasha, also refuted Rahman’s statements, labeling them as factually incorrect.

“A.R. Rahman allegedly mentioned that he has not been given opportunities under the BJP government, but that is simply false. Since 1992, he has produced major successes like Slumdog Millionaire and Madras Cafe, and has received accolades, including the 2025 National Award for Best Music, based solely on merit,” he added.

He remarked that opportunities within the film industry rely on project success and audience reception, rather than the ruling party.

“Rahman’s talent is beyond question, and as long as he continues to produce exceptional music, recognition will surely follow,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders voiced their concerns regarding Rahman’s statements, urging serious contemplation of the matter.

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan stated he would only comment after fully comprehending Rahman’s remarks.

“I have not heard precisely what he said. Once I listen to his exact words and grasp the context and motivations behind them, I will respond appropriately,” Pathan noted.

Congress leader Husain Dalwai deemed the situation unfortunate and deeply troubling.

“A.R. Rahman is an exceptional musician and an Oscar winner renowned globally. If he is experiencing challenges because he is Muslim, that is profoundly sad and incorrect. Marginalizing someone of his caliber is detrimental not only to the film industry but to the country as well,” Dalwai emphasized.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar urged the government to take the issue seriously.

“If he is expressing this sentiment, it is quite concerning. Discrimination against artists post-global acclaim is regrettable. Increasing discrimination will only foster animosity among people,” he stated.

Congress MP Imran Masood echoed similar concerns, labeling the issue as serious.

“If an Oscar-winning artist feels this way, it warrants serious attention. Being denied opportunities in one’s homeland due to religion is a grave issue,” he remarked.

Former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung acknowledged that discrimination exists in some instances. “Yes, many Muslims face barriers due to their religion. There is no denying this, and it should not be concealed. That is why we are striving to address and resolve this challenge,” Jung stated.

General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, Maulana Yasoob Abbas, insisted that communal discrimination should not exist in any domain. “Whether in the film industry or any other field, no one should experience communal bias. However, the specific challenges Rahman is facing and their underlying reasons can best be articulated by him,” he added.

Over the years, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has significantly influenced Indian cinema with some of the most memorable musical compositions and continues to be a pivotal figure in the industry. In a recent discussion with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman openly shared how evolving power dynamics within the Hindi film industry have affected the volume of work he receives.

Reflecting on his initial journey in Bollywood, Rahman mentioned that despite the triumph of films like 'Roja', 'Bombay', and 'Dil Se', he still felt like an outsider as a Tamil composer in a predominantly Hindi-speaking environment.

It was only after Subhash Ghai’s 'Taal' that he sensed a deeper acceptance. According to Rahman, the album transcended regional limitations and integrated into daily life throughout North India. He noted that its fusion of Punjabi, Hindi, and folk elements allowed it to resonate broadly, making it hard for many to perceive the music as originating from a composer whose first language was Tamil.

Rahman also recounted a crucial moment in his professional development when filmmaker Subhash Ghai advised him to learn Hindi. Instead, Rahman chose to study Urdu, recognizing it as the foundational language of Hindi film music during the 1960s and 1970s. His linguistic journey did not end there—he later acquired Arabic due to its phonetic similarity to Urdu and ultimately embraced Punjabi, inspired by his collaboration with singer Sukhwinder Singh.

When asked about experiencing bias in the Hindi film industry during the 1990s or discrimination against South Indian artists, Rahman replied that he never felt excluded during those times.

However, he noted that the past eight years have been markedly different. He suggested that a shift in power towards individuals lacking creative vision may have impacted opportunities, while adding that communal factors could also play a role, albeit not overtly or directly.

Rahman explained that he often hears indirectly about projects for which he was initially considered but later replaced due to internal decisions by music companies.

Despite these alterations, Rahman stated that he remains unaffected and philosophical regarding the situation. He emphasized that he does not actively pursue work and prefers to prioritize family and personal time. For him, sincerity and commitment to his craft ultimately yield meaningful opportunities. He believes that whatever is destined for him will come naturally, without the need for pursuit or compromise.