Ranvir Shorey Responds to AR Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Remark, Says Bias Exists but Takes Many Forms
Mumbai | January 24, 2026
Actor Ranvir Shorey has reacted to music composer AR Rahman’s recent remarks about facing “communal” bias in Bollywood, offering a different perspective on how the film industry works. While acknowledging that prejudice does exist, Ranvir said that blaming one single factor does not fully explain why artists lose work. According to him, every creative professional faces struggles, and the real challenge lies in navigating them rather than pointing fingers.
Speaking to news agency, Ranvir made it clear that he does not fully agree with Rahman’s view. He said, “I don't think so. I've actually heard that he charges a lot. I can't comment on somebody else's life. I don't know why he feels that way. I'm sure he has his reasons.” Ranvir stressed that each artist’s journey is different, and outside perceptions often do not reveal the complete truth behind professional setbacks.
The actor went on to share his own experiences with bias in the industry, saying they were not communal but more political and feudal in nature. He added, “But when it comes to bias, I have faced biases that are not communal in nature, but political and feudal. Your career is shaped by how you deal with those biases.” Ranvir explained that every actor struggles at some point, and using bias as the sole reason for lack of work often invites criticism instead of solutions.
AR Rahman, meanwhile, had spoken about his experiences in an interview with BBC Asian Network, where he reflected on changes in the industry over the last eight years. He said, “Maybe I never got to know of this, maybe it was concealed by God, but I didn’t feel any of this.” He added that recent changes in power structures may have affected creative freedom, saying, “It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.” Rahman also faced backlash for his remarks on the film Chhaava, which he accused of benefiting from “divisiveness.” He later released a video clarifying his views and reaffirming his love for the country.
Ranvir Shorey, who was recently seen in Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 and finished as the second runner-up, concluded by saying that bias in the industry cannot be boxed into one category. According to him, careers are shaped not by complaints, but by how artists continue to work and grow despite the challenges they face.
: Ranvir Shorey Counters AR Rahman’s ‘Communal’ Claim, Says Industry Bias Has Many Shades
Actor Ranvir Shorey has shared his views on AR Rahman’s recent comments about facing “communal” bias in Bollywood. Ranvir said that while bias does exist in the film industry, it cannot be limited to just one reason. According to him, every artist faces struggles, and careers move forward based on how people deal with those challenges rather than blaming a single factor.
Talking to news agency, Ranvir said he does not fully agree with Rahman’s statement. He remarked, “I don't think so. I've actually heard that he charges a lot. I can't comment on somebody else's life. I don't know why he feels that way. I'm sure he has his reasons.” Ranvir explained that outsiders often do not know the full background behind professional decisions, and each person’s experience in the industry is different.
The actor also opened up about his own journey, saying the biases he faced were not communal. He said, “But when it comes to bias, I have faced biases that are not communal in nature, but political and feudal. Your career is shaped by how you deal with those biases.” Ranvir added that struggles are common for everyone in the industry, and pointing them out repeatedly can sometimes be seen as complaining rather than finding a way forward.
AR Rahman had earlier spoken to BBC Asian Network about changes in Bollywood, saying, “Maybe I never got to know of this, maybe it was concealed by God, but I didn’t feel any of this.” He later added, “It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.” The composer also faced criticism for comments on a film promoting “divisiveness” and later clarified his stand through a video message, expressing his love for the country. Ranvir, meanwhile, recently appeared on Bigg Boss OTT 3, where he finished as the second runner-up.
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