Music composer Salim Merchant recently shared his views on remarks made by fellow composer Abdul Rahman regarding possible sectarian bias in the film industry.In a conversation with IANS, Salim addressed Rahman’s previous statement about receiving limited job offers in Bollywood.
While Salem expressed his respect for Rahman, he said that he personally did not believe sectarian bias played a role in such situations.
The composer stressed that his opinion was based on his own point of view, and admitted that Rahman may have had different experiences in the industry.
Abdul Rahman responds to the Ramayan controversy, describing the epic as a story of values that transcend religion
Salem Merchant shares his perspective
Saleem Merchant noted during the interview that Rahman is currently associated with one of the biggest upcoming legendary films in Indian cinema.
According to him, this indicates that the industry continues to appreciate Rahman’s talent regardless of his religious identity. The “Ishq Wala Love” singer specifically mentioned Rahman’s involvement in the film Ramayana, which is based on the Hindu epic of the same name.
“I don’t think that’s true. I mean, with all due respect to what Rahman said. He may be right in his own way, in his own experience. I don’t think that’s true,” Salim told IANS.
I feel that the composer is the one who is making the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema, which is a Hindu epic called the Ramayana. If he is the composer of that, I don’t think there is any problem with anything sectarian. But this is my opinion, my opinion. He may have his own reasons.”
AR Rahman’s previous note about limited work
The discussion started after AR Rahman spoke about the challenges he faced in getting work in the Hindi film industry. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, the Oscar-winning composer said he sometimes hears indirect explanations about why some projects don’t go ahead.
AR Rahman suggested that industry dynamics may influence decisions about who gets hired for film music. The famous composer said: “Non-creative people now have the power to decide about things, and maybe that was a collective thing too, but not in my face.
A Chinese whisper comes to mind that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, “Oh, that’s great. Relax for me. I can relax with my family.”After the controversy and criticism that followed his comments, AR Rahman later shared a video message clarifying his intentions. The composer explained that he never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings and stressed that music has always been a bridge between cultures and celebrates diversity. “Dear friends, music has always been my way of communicating, celebrating and honoring culture. India is my inspiration, my school and my home,” Rahman said.
I realize that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my goal has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music. “I never wanted to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity will be felt.”
AR Rahman on the work front
Dhanush and Kriti Sanon star in “Tere Ishk Mein”, and Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari star in “Gandhi Talks”. His upcoming projects, other than ‘Ramayana’, include ‘Peddi’ starring Ram Charan.
Salim Merchant and Khayyam talk about Umrao Jaan’s music
If he is the composer of ‘Ramayana’ then I don’t think there is any problem’: Salim Merchant on AR Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ rowMusic composer Salim Merchant recently shared his views on remarks made by fellow composer A.
R. Rahman regarding possible sectarian bias in the film industry.In a conversation with IANS, Salim addressed Rahman’s previous statement about receiving limited job offers in Bollywood. While Salem expressed his respect for Rahman, he said that he personally did not believe sectarian bias played a role in such situations. The composer stressed that his opinion was based on his own point of view, and admitted that Rahman may have had different experiences in the industry.Salem Merchant shares his perspectiveSaleem Merchant noted during the interview that Rahman is currently associated with one of the biggest upcoming legendary films in Indian cinema. According to him, this indicates that the industry continues to appreciate Rahman’s talent regardless of his religious identity. The “Ishq Wala Love” singer specifically mentioned Rahman’s involvement in the film Ramayana, which is based on the Hindu epic of the same name.
“I don’t think that’s true. I mean, with all due respect to what Rahman said. He may be right in his own way, for his own experience. I don’t think that’s true. I feel the composer who is making the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema, which is a Hindu epic called ‘Ramayana’, if he is the composer of that, I don’t think there is any problem with anything communal. But that’s my take on the matter, the opinion; he may have his own reasons,” Salim told IANS.AR Rahman’s previous note about limited workThe discussion started after AR Rahman spoke about the challenges he faced in getting work in the Hindi film industry. In an interview with BBC Asian Network, the Oscar-winning composer said he sometimes hears indirect explanations about why certain projects don’t go ahead. AR Rahman suggested that industry dynamics may influence decisions about who gets hired for film music. The famous composer said: “Non-creative people now have the power to decide about things, and maybe that was a collective thing too, but not in my face.
A Chinese whisper comes to mind that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, “Oh, that’s great. Relax for me. I can relax with my family.”After the controversy and criticism that followed his comments, AR Rahman later shared a video message clarifying his intentions. The composer explained that he never meant to hurt anyone’s feelings and stressed that music has always been a bridge between cultures and celebrates diversity.
“Dear friends, music has always been my way of communicating, celebrating and honoring culture. India is my inspiration, my school and my home,” Rahman said.
I realize that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my goal has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music. “I never wanted to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity will be felt.”AR Rahman on the work frontDhanush and Kriti Sanon star in “Tere Ishk Mein”, and Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari star in “Gandhi Talks”. His upcoming projects, other than ‘Ramayana’, include ‘Peddi’ starring Ram Charan.
