Waheeda Rehman opens up on AR Rahman’s claims of losing work in Bollywood, saying industry trends and time affect opportunities more than religion. She urges everyone to stay peaceful and happy amidst the controversy.
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Bollywood has been buzzing ever since AR Rahman hinted that a mix of communal bias and a power shuffle in the Hindi film industry might have affected his work in the last eight years. The Oscar-winning composer’s statement triggered a wave of reactions from Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan to Shaan and even Kangana Ranaut. But now, a true veteran of the industry, Waheeda Rehman, has weighed in.
In a chat with SCREEN, the 87-year-old actress gave her take on the whole Rahman row. Spoiler: she isn’t stirring the pot.
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When asked about Rahman’s claims of losing work due to a perceived communal bias and power shift, Waheeda admitted she’s heard the news but doesn’t get involved.
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She said, “Yes, I read about it, but I try to dig less into it. I prefer not to pay attention to it, when everything is going fine. These small things happen in every country.”
The actress, who has been in the industry for decades, seems to take a philosophical approach. “So, what to believe and how much to believe? If it’s even true or not. Why should we get involved? At least at my age, I don’t want to get involved with anything or anybody. Apni shaanti se raho, yeh mulk hai humaara, bas khush raho,” she added.
Waheeda suggested that Rahman’s dip in projects might have more to do with the passage of time and the industry’s ever-changing tastes than his religion.
“Kaam toh upar neeche hota hi rehta hai. Ek umar ke baad, log kehte hain ki bring somebody new or different. All this can lead to a few people staying behind,” she explained.
She went on to say, “Agar vo bahut oonchaai par pahuche hain aur vo vahin rahenge, unhi ko lenge, aisa bhi toh nahi hota na. Upar neeche hota hi rehta hai, aisi koi nayi baat nahi hai.”
The controversy started during an interview with BBC Asian Network, when Rahman was asked about facing prejudice in the Hindi film industry as a Tamilian.
The composer replied thoughtfully, “Maybe I never get to know of this, maybe it was concealed but I didn’t feel any of this. Maybe in the past eight years 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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you but the music company went ahead and hired their 5 composers.”
He added a personal touch, showing he wasn’t bitter: “I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I’m not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”
After facing criticism for his comments, Rahman posted a heartfelt clarification on social media. He said, “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.”
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