Salim Merchant Says He Doesn’t See Communal Problem in Industry, Counters A. R. Rahman

Salim Merchant on AR Rahman: Musician and singer Salim Merchant has responded to AR Rahman's communalist statement. Expressing his disagreement with Rahman, he cited the upcoming film "Ramayana." Find out what he said...

Muskan Kumawat
Muskan Kumawat Verified Staff • 02 Apr, 2026Journalist
March 10, 2026 • 12:05 AM
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Salim Merchant Says He Doesn’t See Communal Problem in Industry, Counters A. R. Rahman
“Salim Merchant Says He Doesn’t See Communal Problem in Industry, Counters A. R. Rahman”
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10 Mar 2026
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Salim Merchant Says He Doesn’t See Communal Problem in Industry, Counters A. R. Rahman
Salim Merchant Says He Doesn’t See Communal Problem in Industry, Counters A. R. Rahman

Earlier in the year, veteran musician AR Rahman made a statement about communalism in music, saying he didn’t have much work. This statement sparked a new debate. AR Rahman later explained what he meant by his statement. Now, nearly two months after AR Rahman’s statement, another musician, Salim Merchant, has spoken about it.

In a conversation with IANS, Salim Merchant disagreed with AR Rahman's views. He said, "I don't think this is true." While I respect what Rahman has said, he may be right from his experience and perspective, but I don't think so.

Referring to AR Rahman's ambitious project, "Ramayana," Salim said, "I think if Rahman is the music director for a film based on the Hindu epic, "Ramayana," one of the biggest films in the history of Indian cinema, I don't think there's a communal problem in the industry. But that's my perspective and my opinion. He may have his own reasons."

Muskan Kumawat

Muskan Kumawat Verified Staff • 02 Apr, 2026Journalist

Muskan Kumawat is an Entertainment Journalist at Bolly Orbit, covering the latest updates on Bollywood, celebrity news, movie reviews, and industry trends. She joined the team on July, 2024, bringing a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for entertainment insights.

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