Shankar Mahadevan Responds to AR Rahman’s Comments on Bollywood Music Power Struggles
The recent controversy surrounding AR Rahman’s comments about a slowdown in work within the Hindi film industry has sparked a broader conversation about the evolving power dynamics in Bollywood’s music ecosystem. The Oscar-winning composer highlighted a noticeable shift in recent years, suggesting that creativity no longer remains the primary driving force behind key decisions.
Responding to the debate, fellow Oscar-winning composer Shankar Mahadevan offered a more nuanced and reflective perspective. In an interview, Shankar explained that the divide between music creators and decision-makers has long existed. “The person who creates the music is one. The person who decides what's going to happen to this music is a totally different team,” he said, adding that the fate of a musical product often rests in the hands of individuals who are not musicians themselves.
While not explicitly endorsing or refuting Rahman’s remarks, Shankar emphasised that music ultimately finds its own path - regardless of who controls its release, promotion, or commercial destiny. His comments resonated deeply within the industry, where many continue to debate the growing influence of non-creative stakeholders on artistic outcomes.
As the discussion gained traction, AR Rahman addressed the wider sentiment in a heartfelt video message posted on Instagram. Although he did not clarify his earlier statements directly, the composer spoke about his profound connection to India, its culture, and its people. He shared that music has always been his way of staying grounded and serving the community, noting that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but his purpose has never revolved around power struggles or controversy.
Meanwhile, Shankar Mahadevan continues to make headlines for his global accomplishments. After winning a Grammy Award in 2024 with his fusion band Shakti for This Moment, he has once again been recognised by the Recording Academy. Shakti received two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards - Best Global Music Album for Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) and Best Global Music Performance for Shrini’s Dream (Live).
On a personal note, Shankar described the latest nomination as “God’s wish,” expressing joy that his wife will be able to attend the Grammys this year after missing the previous ceremony due to an injury. Adding to his impressive milestones, Shankar recently launched Goongoonalo, which he describes as the world’s first artist-owned platform. This initiative prioritises creative freedom over commercial pressures and aims to unite artists across genres - ranging from classical and folk to contemporary bands and regional voices - while ensuring artistic integrity and long-term sustainability.
Responding to the debate, fellow Oscar-winning composer Shankar Mahadevan offered a more nuanced and reflective perspective. In an interview, Shankar explained that the divide between music creators and decision-makers has long existed. “The person who creates the music is one. The person who decides what's going to happen to this music is a totally different team,” he said, adding that the fate of a musical product often rests in the hands of individuals who are not musicians themselves.
While not explicitly endorsing or refuting Rahman’s remarks, Shankar emphasised that music ultimately finds its own path - regardless of who controls its release, promotion, or commercial destiny. His comments resonated deeply within the industry, where many continue to debate the growing influence of non-creative stakeholders on artistic outcomes.
As the discussion gained traction, AR Rahman addressed the wider sentiment in a heartfelt video message posted on Instagram. Although he did not clarify his earlier statements directly, the composer spoke about his profound connection to India, its culture, and its people. He shared that music has always been his way of staying grounded and serving the community, noting that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but his purpose has never revolved around power struggles or controversy.
Meanwhile, Shankar Mahadevan continues to make headlines for his global accomplishments. After winning a Grammy Award in 2024 with his fusion band Shakti for This Moment, he has once again been recognised by the Recording Academy. Shakti received two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards - Best Global Music Album for Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) and Best Global Music Performance for Shrini’s Dream (Live).
On a personal note, Shankar described the latest nomination as “God’s wish,” expressing joy that his wife will be able to attend the Grammys this year after missing the previous ceremony due to an injury. Adding to his impressive milestones, Shankar recently launched Goongoonalo, which he describes as the world’s first artist-owned platform. This initiative prioritises creative freedom over commercial pressures and aims to unite artists across genres - ranging from classical and folk to contemporary bands and regional voices - while ensuring artistic integrity and long-term sustainability.
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