Arnab Goswami’s Sharp Critique of A.R. Rahman’s ‘Communal Bias’ Remarks: Accusations of Hypocrisy in the Spotlight
In a fiery segment on Republic TV, Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami launched a scathing critique of Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman, accusing him of hypocrisy following controversial comments about alleged communal bias in Bollywood. The exchange, featured in a video titled “Arnab’s Ultimate Call-Out Of AR Rahman’s Hypocrisy Over His Communal ‘Bias’ Claim,” has intensified debates across media and social platforms amid backlash against Rahman’s statements.
The controversy originated from Rahman’s recent interview with BBC Asian Network. Discussing a noticeable decline in his Hindi film projects over the past eight years, Rahman attributed it to evolving industry dynamics, including a “power shift” where non-creative executives hold greater influence. He cautiously suggested that this slowdown “might have been a communal thing also but not in my face,” implying subtle religious bias—Rahman being Muslim—may have played a role, though he emphasized it was not overt discrimination. He also commented on the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, a film based on Maratha warrior Sambhaji’s life, describing it as “divisive” and critiquing elements like the contextual use of phrases such as “Subhanallah” in negative portrayals, while maintaining that composing its music was an honor.
Rahman’s remarks triggered widespread criticism, particularly from right-wing voices and sections of the public who viewed them as injecting communal angles unnecessarily or portraying himself as a victim despite his storied career. Critics argued that Bollywood has historically been merit-driven and secular, with Rahman enjoying immense success through iconic works like Roja, Bombay, and Vande Mataram. Soon after, Rahman issued a clarification via an Instagram video, stating his words had been “misunderstood,” that he never intended to hurt anyone, and reaffirming music as his means to connect, celebrate, and honor India’s multicultural heritage. He expressed pride in being Indian and ended with patriotic notes.
Enter Arnab Goswami, whose Republic show The Debate and related clips dissected Rahman’s position with characteristic intensity. Goswami highlighted what he called blatant inconsistency: Rahman had composed the soundtrack for Chhaava—the very film he now labeled divisive—and accepted payment for it, yet only later criticized its communal undertones. “He didn’t say this when he took money for it,” Goswami pointed out repeatedly, framing this as opportunistic behavior.
Goswami further challenged Rahman on selectivity, daring him to speak out on other communal or divisive issues, such as reports of Pakistani grooming gangs in the UK, if he truly cared about such matters beyond his own career. He questioned why Rahman would imply bias in Bollywood—an industry often defended as inclusive—while remaining quiet or inconsistent on broader topics. Goswami portrayed Rahman’s comments as an attempt to explain a natural career dip (possibly due to changing tastes, competition, or evolving output) by invoking communal victimhood, rather than acknowledging industry realities.
The segment resonated with viewers aligned with Republic’s perspective, amassing significant views and sparking polarized reactions online under hashtags like #RahmanCommunalClaim. Supporters of Rahman, including some industry figures and his daughters who defended him publicly, saw his observations as a valid reflection on shifting power structures and subtle prejudices. Others dismissed them as ungrateful or divisive, especially given Rahman’s global acclaim and past contributions to nationalistic themes.
As the debate rages on Republic platforms and beyond, it underscores deeper fault lines in discussions around merit, identity, and opportunity in Indian entertainment. Whether Rahman’s remarks signal genuine concern or selective commentary remains contested, but Goswami’s direct “call-out” has firmly positioned the issue as a flashpoint in ongoing cultural and media conversations in early 2026.
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