‘Dobara Hindu ho jaayein’: Anup Jalota says AR Rahman would get more projects after reconverting, amid ‘communal’ remark controversy

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman may have clarified his stand following criticism over an alleged “communal” remark, but reactions continue to emerge from the music industry. Singer Anup Jalota has now weighed in, taking a sharp dig at Rahman over the controversy.

A video featuring Jalota commenting on Rahman’s statement has surfaced on social media, where he is seen expressing disagreement with the composer’s views.



In the viral video, Anup Jalota is heard saying, “Music director AR Rahman pehle Hindu the. Uske baad unhone Islam dharm apna liya aur bahut kaam kiya, bahut naam kamaya, logon ke dilon mein bahut achchi jagah banayi. Lekin agar unhein is baat ka vishwas hai ki hamare desh mein Muslim hone ki wajah se unko filmein nahi mil rahi hain music dene ke liye, toh phir woh dobara Hindu ho jaayein.”

He continued, “Toh unko yeh vishwas hona chahiye ki Hindu hone ke baad, convert ho jaane ke baad, unko phir se filmein milna shuru ho jaayengi. Yahi toh unka matlab hai. Toh mera salah hai ki woh Hindu ho jaayein aur phir try karein ki unko dobara filmein milti hain ya nahi,” he added.

What AR Rahman Had Said

Rahman recently came under fire following comments made during an interview with BBC Asian Network. When asked whether he had ever faced prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer, Rahman responded, “Maybe I never got to know of this, maybe it was concealed by God, but I didn’t feel any of this. The past eight years, maybe, because a power shift has happened, and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.”

The remark triggered widespread backlash online, with several interpreting it as suggesting communal bias in the industry. Rahman also drew attention for criticising the film Chhaava for allegedly capitalising on “divisiveness”.

Rahman Issues Apology After Backlash

Following the controversy, the composer released a video statement addressing the reactions and apologising for the hurt caused. Rahman said, “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. 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.”

Ongoing Projects

Despite the ongoing debate, Rahman continues to remain busy on the professional front. He is currently working on filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming epic Ramayana, for which he has collaborated with Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer.