Rani Mukerji has responded to AR Rahman’s controversial remarks, firmly stating that Bollywood is the most secular industry she has known. Drawing from her 30-year career, the actor said merit and audience connection matter more than religion or background.
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Just when Bollywood gossip was cooling down, a fresh debate has entered the chat. And this time, it has two big names AR Rahman and Rani Mukerji standing on different sides of the conversation.
It all started quietly, like most industry storms do. Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, during an interview with BBC Asian Network, spoke about how the music industry has changed over the years. While answering a question on whether he ever faced prejudice as a Tamil composer in Bollywood, Rahman made a remark that instantly caught attention.
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He said that in recent years, there has been a power shift, where “people who are not creative” are now making key decisions. He also added that it “might be a communal thing”, though he clarified that it was not directly happening to him.
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That one line was enough to set social media buzzing. Many listeners felt the comment hinted at communal bias, and backlash followed quickly.
Now, Rani Mukerji has shared her view and she does not agree.
While promoting her upcoming film Mardaani 3, Rani spoke to DD News and addressed Rahman’s remarks head-on.
According to Rani, the Hindi film industry is one of the most secular spaces in the country.
Speaking from her three decades of experience, she said she has never faced discrimination based on caste or religion in Bollywood. “Bollywood is the most secular place, and I truly believe that,” she said.
“There is no discrimination based on caste or religion. In my 30 years in the industry, I have never experienced anything like this.”
She added that the industry gave her everything; her career, her identity, and her voice.
“I love this industry. It made me who I am today. I’m saying this from the bottom of my heart,” she said.
“Your work speaks for you. Ultimately, the person the audience connects with is the one who survives and succeeds,” she said.
Calling Bollywood “one of the most amazing places to be,” Rani firmly stood by her belief that creativity still rules.
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