AR Rahman's 'Crying Foul' Sparks Debate: Is it Intolerance or Industry Shift?

• AR Rahman's BBC interview clip, suggesting an adverse impact of India's ideological climate on his work, sparked a social media debate.
• The article compares Rahman's statements to past comments by Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan regarding intolerance in India.
• It highlights Rahman's alleged hypocrisy, citing instances like his composition for 'Chhava' despite later calling its narrative divisive, and a family incident regarding a 'tilak'.
• The author argues that Rahman's reduced work volume is due to structural changes in the music industry, technological shifts, and generational turnover, not ideological marginalization.
• The piece contrasts Rahman's response to career changes with Ilaiyaraaja's gracious acceptance of evolving industry tastes, questioning Rahman's narrative of victimhood.

Why It Matters: AR Rahman's claims of ideological marginalization are debated, with the author attributing career shifts to industry changes.