His comments triggered a debate online and within the film industry with critics questioning the basis of his observations. Ali, who has frequently collaborated with Rahman for films such as Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, and most recently Amar Singh Chamkila, said he has never felt any kind of "communal bias" in Bollywood. “No, I don't think there is a communal bias in the film industry. Also, I don't remember of a single incident where there was any communal bias or animosity,” he added. Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who has collaborated with Rahman on several projects, said he disagreed with the suggestion of communal bias.

Source: dna January 20, 2026 19:18 UTC