Music maestro A.R. Rahman recently ignited a significant controversy after an interview with BBC Asian Network where he suggested a potential 'communal bias' and 'power shift' as reasons for his declining work in the Hindi film industry over the past eight years. He described receiving 'Chinese whispers' regarding projects, leading to widespread debate and reactions across entertainment circles. Following the backlash, Rahman issued a clarification on January 18, 2026, stating his comments were misunderstood and that he never intended to cause pain or hurt sentiments. He reaffirmed his deep connection to India, calling it his inspiration and home, and emphasized his purpose to uplift through music. In a show of solidarity, Rahman's daughters, Khatija and Raheema, publicly came out in support of their father on January 19, 2026. They amplified a strongly worded Instagram post by Malayalam composer Kailas Menon, who urged the public to "Disagree, don't disgrace" Rahman. Menon defended Rahman's right to express his personal experiences and criticized the personal attacks and 'hate speech' directed at the globally respected artist. Khatija Rahman also shared a personal note on her social media, expressing gratitude for friends who checked in on her. However, not all reactions were supportive. Author Taslima Nasreen challenged Rahman's claims, arguing that "The famous and wealthy rarely face difficulties anywhere." She cited prominent Muslim superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, implying their continued success contradicts the idea of communal bias affecting the 'rich and famous'. Other industry figures like Javed Akhtar and Shobhaa De also expressed disagreement with Rahman's initial assessment. This controversy highlights ongoing discussions about inclusivity and power dynamics within Bollywood.