Actor Ranvir Shorey has reacted to music composer AR Rahman’s recent comments about facing possible “communal” bias in Bollywood, saying that while biases do exist in the industry, they are not limited to one single factor and artists often face multiple forms of discrimination.
AR Rahman recently sparked debate after an interview with BBC Asian Network, where he suggested that changes in the power structure in Bollywood over the past few years may have affected his work opportunities. He hinted that the situation could be influenced by communal factors, though he clarified that such bias was not always direct or visible. Rahman also criticised what he described as increasing divisiveness in cinema and later released a video reaffirming his love for the country amid backlash.
Reacting to these remarks, Ranvir Shorey told news agency ANI that he does not entirely agree with Rahman’s assessment. Shorey said that he has heard that Rahman is known to charge high fees, which could also be a factor in losing out on projects. He added that he could not comment on Rahman’s personal experiences but believed that every artist has their own struggles in the industry.
Shorey further shared his own experiences, saying that the biases he has faced were not communal but “political and feudal” in nature. According to him, power dynamics and gatekeeping play a major role in shaping careers in Bollywood. He stressed that many professionals deal with different kinds of obstacles and that focusing on just one form of bias may not present the full picture.
The actor also said that blaming bias alone for lack of work can sometimes be seen as complaining, and that long-term success often depends on how individuals navigate these challenges. His comments have added another layer to the ongoing debate around fairness, power structures, and inclusivity in the Hindi film industry.
The discussion has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting Rahman’s concerns and others agreeing with Shorey that industry politics and economics also play a major role in shaping opportunities.
