The controversy around AR Rahman’s recently-made remarks, where he speculated a possibility of communal bias in Hindi film industry, refuses to die down. In the past few days, many notable industry figures like Javed Akhtar, Varun Grover, Paresh Rawal, and Kangana Ranaut responded to the controversy, most of them expressing supporting for the music composer. Now Rahman’s frequent collaborator Imtiaz Ali has reacted to the row.
Speaking to India Today, Imtiaz Ali expressed his support and admiration for the Rockstar composer, adding, “Rahman is one of the brightest figures that I’ve met in the film industry. I do not actually believe that he made all the comments that are being attributed to him, or maybe it's been misconstrued. In fact, I know that he did not say exactly what is being perceived."
At the same time, Imtiaz Ali firmly stated that he doesn’t remember any incident of a communal bias in the industry. He said, “I don't think there is a communal bias in the film industry. I've been here for a long time, and I've never seen it.” Imtiaz Ali and AR Rahman have collaborated on several films like Amar Singh Chamkila, Rockstar, Tamasha and Highway.
Earlier, after receiving severe backlash for his comments, Rahman had issued a video statement to clarify his stance on the subject. “My purpose has been to uplift, serve, and honour through music. I’ve never wished to cause pain. I feel blessed to be Indian which enables to create space which always allow freedom of expression and allow multi-cultural voices,” he had said.