Anuradha Paudwal Defends A.R. Rahman, Calls Him ‘Saintly’ Amid Communal Remark Row

Veteran playback singer Anuradha Paudwal has come out strongly in support of A.R. Rahman following controversy around his recent interview remarks that some interpreted as communal in tone. Describing the Oscar-winning composer as a “very saintly person,” Paudwal said his character and decades-long artistic contribution stand in sharp contrast to the narrative being built around the comments.

The controversy erupted after Rahman, in an interview with BBC Asian Network, spoke about a perceived slowdown in his Hindi film assignments and suggested that “misunderstandings” may have influenced industry dynamics in recent years. Portions of the conversation circulated online, triggering debate and allegations that his remarks hinted at communal undertones.

Paudwal, however, questioned the framing of such interviews, suggesting that responses are often extracted without context and amplified in ways that fuel controversy. She stressed that Rahman’s body of work , marked by spiritual depth, cross-cultural collaborations and a global footprint , reflects an artist who has consistently transcended boundaries rather than reinforced them.

Her defence highlights a broader issue within India’s entertainment ecosystem: how public figures’ statements are dissected in an increasingly polarised media environment. By emphasising Rahman’s legacy over isolated excerpts, Paudwal reframed the discussion around artistic credibility and lived values rather than headline-driven interpretation.

The episode underscores the delicate intersection of celebrity commentary, media framing and identity politics, particularly for artists like Rahman, whose career has long symbolised cultural synthesis in Indian cinema.