Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has opened up about experiencing a significant shift in work opportunities within the Hindi film industry over the past eight years, attributing it to changing power dynamics that have placed creative decisions in the hands of non-creative personnel.

In a candid conversation with BBC Asian Network, the legendary composer revealed that while he never faced discrimination during his early Bollywood career in the 1990s, recent years have presented different challenges. “The past eight years, maybe, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now,” Rahman stated, adding that the situation “might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.”

The composer shared instances where he learned through indirect channels that film projects had moved in different directions. “It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers,” he explained. However, Rahman maintained a philosophical outlook, saying, “I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. I am not in search of work. I don’t want to go in search of work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”

Despite the recent challenges, Rahman remains active with upcoming projects including Vijay Sethupathi’s “Gandhi Talks”, a silent drama directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar and produced by Zee Studios, scheduled for theatrical release on January 30. He is also working on Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated “Ramayana”, collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The epic film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol and Yash, is slated for a Diwali 2026 release.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​