In the wake of a burgeoning controversy surrounding legendary composer AR Rahman’s recent comments regarding “communal” undercurrents in the film industry, fellow music director Mithoon has stepped forward to offer a staunch defense of the Oscar winner.
The debate ignited following Rahman’s interview with the BBC Asian Network earlier this month. When questioned about the visible reduction of his projects in the Hindi film industry over the last eight years, the “Mozart of Madras” suggested that the power dynamics in Bollywood have shifted into the hands of “non-creative” entities. Rahman hinted that these shifts might be influenced by a “communal thing,” though he clarified that such biases were never directed at him “to his face,” reaching him instead through “Chinese whispers.”
While the remarks drew sharp criticism from several industry veterans and social media users—some labeling the comments “dangerous” or “prejudiced”—Mithoon has voiced a more supportive perspective. Speaking to Mid-Day, the Aashiqui 2 composer emphasized the respect Rahman commands after three decades of service to Indian art.
“I have grown up looking up to Rahman sir. He was the man who threw every textbook rule out of the window, yet created a powerful impact in our industry,” Mithoon stated.
Addressing the backlash directly, Mithoon argued that Rahman’s stature entitles him to speak his mind. “It’s been over three decades, and the country continues to love him. He has every right to say what he felt. All I can say, as his contemporary, is that this country will continue to love him. There can be no other AR Rahman.”
Mithoon’s support comes at a time when the industry appears deeply polarized. While actors like Kangana Ranaut and columnists like Shobhaa De have expressed disappointment, others, including Malayalam composer Kailas Menon and Rahman’s own daughters, Khatija and Raheema, have called for a “disagree but don’t disgrace” approach.
Rahman himself recently issued a video clarification to de-escalate the situation, stating that his intention was never to cause pain and that India remains his “inspiration, teacher, and home.”
Interestingly, when Mithoon was asked if he had personally encountered the “non-creative” power shifts Rahman described, he offered a grounded take. While he noted he hadn’t faced those specific hurdles, he acknowledged that friction between creators and decision-makers is common in every profession. “This must be happening in every field… ultimately, our job is to engage the audience with our art,” he noted. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
