Anuradha Paudwal Backs AR Rahman Amid Controversy, Dismisses Criticism Amid Ongoing Debate

Maharashtra | 12 Feb 2026 Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal has come out in support of music composer AR Rahman amid the ongoing debate over his recent remarks on the Hindi film industry. As discussions around his comments continue, with some interpreting them as having a communal tone, Paudwal dismissed the criticism and described Rahman as a deeply spiritual and dignified artist whose work speaks louder than words. Speaking to news agency, Anuradha Paudwal said that although she has never met Rahman personally, her understanding of him comes from his music and long-standing contribution to the industry. “From what I know of AR Rahman is through his music. I have never met him personally, but his music tells that he is a very saintly person,” she said, adding that his compositions reflect his inner character and calm nature. Addressing the controversy, Paudwal pointed out how interviews can often push artists into uncomfortable situations. Drawing from her own experience, she said that interviewers sometimes frame questions in a way that provokes specific reactions. “I have been in the industry, and I have seen that when any artist, not only AR Rahman, sits for an interview, the interviewer usually likes to frame questions in such a way to incite their desired response,” she said. She added that Rahman’s legacy and achievements place him beyond such debates, saying he has given the industry some of its greatest music and cannot be influenced at this stage of his career. The controversy began after Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, where he was asked about facing prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer. Rahman responded that he had not personally experienced discrimination, adding that if it existed, it may have been “concealed by God.” However, he also remarked that over the past eight years, he has sensed a change in the industry, saying, “The past eight years, maybe, 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.” Rahman’s comments, along with his criticism of the film Chhaava for allegedly using divisive themes, sparked mixed reactions from several film personalities, including Kangana Ranaut, Paresh Rawal, Ranvir Shorey, Prakash Raj, Subhash Ghai, and Shobhaa De. Amid the varied responses, Anuradha Paudwal’s defence has added a senior voice urging restraint and respect for Rahman’s artistic journey and contribution to Indian music. Anuradha Paudwal Backs AR Rahman Amid Controversy, Dismisses Criticism Amid Ongoing Debate Senior singer Anuradha Paudwal has spoken in support of AR Rahman as discussions continue around his recent remarks on the Hindi film industry. After his comments were interpreted by some as having a communal angle, Paudwal came forward to defend the composer, saying his personality and music clearly reflect who he is. She described Rahman as calm, spiritual, and far removed from controversy. Speaking to news agency, Anuradha Paudwal said she has never met Rahman personally, but her view of him comes from his music and long career. “From what I know of AR Rahman is through his music. I have never met him personally, but his music tells that he is a very saintly person,” she said, adding that his work itself speaks about his values and dignity. Paudwal also addressed how controversies often arise during media interactions. Sharing her experience, she said interviews are sometimes designed to provoke reactions from artists. “I have been in the industry, and I have seen that when any artist, not only AR Rahman, sits for an interview, the interviewer usually likes to frame questions in such a way to incite their desired response,” she said. She added that Rahman has achieved so much that such debates cannot affect his career or standing. The discussion began after Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, where he spoke about whether he had faced prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer. He said he had not felt it directly and added that if it existed, it may have been “concealed by God.” However, he noted changes in the industry over recent years, saying, “The past eight years, maybe, 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.” His remarks led to mixed reactions from several film personalities, but Anuradha Paudwal’s support has highlighted a call for perspective and respect.