Chennai

DMK MP Kanimozhi has come out in support of renowned composer A R Rahman amid the debate triggered by his recent comments on the Hindi film industry.

In a post on social media platform X, Kanimozhi said she stood by the Oscar-winning musician and criticised what she described as a targeted backlash against an artist whose work rises above divisions of religion, language and identity. She also questioned the silence of authorities in the face of what she termed growing intolerance.

I stand with @arrahman. The deliberate targeting of a musician whose art transcends religion, language, and identity, and the shocking silence of those in authority in India, is deeply disturbing. Rahman is a creator and artist who carried the music of this country to the world,…

— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) January 20, 2026

Praising Rahman’s global stature, the DMK leader said his contribution to Indian music had earned the country international recognition, calling him a cultural representative of India’s artistic and democratic values. She added that an artist of his stature deserved appreciation and respect rather than prejudice, stressing that hostility had no place in a pluralistic society.

The controversy follows remarks made by Rahman during a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, where he said opportunities from the Hindi film industry had declined for him over the past several years. He attributed this to changing industry dynamics during that period.

Rahman’s comments have drawn sharp reactions from several public figures. Veteran writer and columnist Shobhaa De described his remarks as problematic, asserting that Bollywood has historically been a space driven by talent rather than religious identity. Speaking at a session during the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, De said she disagreed with the suggestion of religious bias within the film industry, adding that merit had traditionally determined opportunities.

Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut also weighed in strongly, accusing Rahman of prejudice. In a post on Instagram, Ranaut alleged that the composer had declined to meet her or work on the music for her directorial project Emergency, claiming he viewed the film as propaganda.

Ranaut further stated that she herself had faced discrimination in the industry due to her political views, but maintained that Rahman’s refusal was rooted in bias. She said her film had received positive responses from critics and leaders across the political spectrum, describing his stance as unfair and dismissive.

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The exchange has sparked a wider debate within the film fraternity and political circles, highlighting contrasting views on inclusivity, artistic freedom and the evolving dynamics of the Hindi film industry.