Music composer Salim Merchant has weighed in on the recent debate sparked by comments made by A. R. Rahman regarding alleged communal bias in the music industry. While responding to the controversy, Merchant clarified that he personally does not believe such bias exists, though he acknowledged that Rahman may have spoken from his own experiences.
Reacting to Rahman’s remarks during a conversation with IANS, Salim Merchant said, "I don't think that is 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 doing the biggest film in the history of Indian cinema, which is a Hindu epic called Ramayana, if he is the composer of that, then I don't think there is any problem with any communal thing. But that is my take on it, my opinion; he might have his own reasons."
Rahman’s comments that triggered the debate were originally made during an interaction with BBC Asian Network, where the acclaimed composer spoke about certain challenges he has faced in the industry. The composer said, “People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family."
The remark quickly gained traction online and sparked strong reactions on social media, with several users debating the possibility of communal bias in the entertainment industry. As the discussion intensified, Rahman later issued a clarification addressing the controversy.
In a follow-up message, Rahman wrote, "Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a 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”.
Rahman, one of India’s most celebrated composers, has delivered numerous iconic soundtracks across multiple languages over the decades. Meanwhile, Salim Merchant—one half of the popular composer duo Sulaiman Merchant and Salim—continues to remain an active voice in discussions around music and the evolving dynamics of the industry.
The differing perspectives from the two composers have added another dimension to the ongoing conversation within the music fraternity about creativity, industry structures, and the experiences of artists working within them.
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