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Salim Merchant Disagrees With AR Rahman’s Communal Bias Remark: 'If He Is Doing Ramayana...'
Salim Merchant Disagrees With AR Rahman’s Communal Bias Remark: 'If He Is Doing Ramayana...'
Singer-composer Salim Merchant has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding A.R. Rahman’s recent comments about alleged communal bias in the Hindi film industry. Sharing his perspective, Salim said he does not believe such bias exists in the way it has been suggested.
Salim Merchant Disagrees With A.R. Rahman’s Remarks
In a conversation with IANS, Salim Merchant respectfully disagreed with Rahman’s statement, while acknowledging that the Oscar-winning composer may have been speaking from his personal experiences.
“I don’t think that is true. With all due respect to what Rahman said, he may be right in his own way and speaking from his own experience, but I don’t think that’s the case," Salim said.
He added that his views are based on his own understanding of the industry and that different individuals may have different perspectives.
‘Ramayana’ Example Cited By Salim Merchant
Explaining his stance further, Salim pointed to A.R. Rahman’s involvement in the upcoming film Ramayana, which is considered one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.
“I feel that if the composer who is doing one of the biggest films in the history of Indian cinema—based on a Hindu epic like Ramayana—is Rahman, then I don’t think there is any communal problem in the industry. But that is my take on it and my opinion. He might have his own reasons," he said.
Salim is among several film personalities who have expressed differing views after Rahman’s remarks sparked widespread discussion within the industry.
What A.R. Rahman Originally Said
Earlier, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, A.R. Rahman suggested that certain non-creative forces may be influencing decisions in the film industry.
“People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but 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," Rahman said.
He added that he took such developments in stride.
“I said, ‘Oh, that’s great. It means rest for me—I can chill out with my family,’" he remarked.
A.R. Rahman Issues Clarification
Rahman’s comments triggered debate and criticism from several quarters, prompting the composer to clarify his stance.
Taking to Instagram, Rahman reiterated that his work has always been about unity through music.
“Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring cultures. India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home," he wrote.
“I understand that intentions can sometimes be 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," Rahman added.
The discussion has since continued within the industry, with artists sharing their individual experiences and viewpoints on the subject.
Source: News18
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