Chicago – July 28, 2025
A.R. Rahman, one of Bollywood’s legendary music composers, has recently found himself surrounded by a swirl of uncomfortable moments and reminders of changing attitudes in the industry.
During a prominent award ceremony in Mumbai on April 24, 2024, both Amitabh Bachchan and A.R. Rahman received special honors. However, fans noted that Amitabh Bachchan did not publicly interact with Rahman during the event, fueling whispers that Rahman was being sidelined at such high-profile occasions.
At another high-profile event, Salman Khan openly made fun of Rahman on stage by calling him an “average” musician. Rahman, known for his dignified presence, chose not to react sharply, although the moment was awkward for everyone.
Later, Salman Khan tried to brush off the incident as a joke, saying their comments were just part of a script and that both he and Rahman share a unique sense of humor. Still, the encounter left a bitter taste in the eyes of fans who felt the Oscar-winning composer wasn’t getting his due respect from Bollywood stars.
These stories illustrate how Rahman, despite an unmatched legacy and global awards, has at times been underestimated and even openly disrespected by some of Bollywood’s biggest names. Yet, his musical genius and global influence remain undisputed, reminding Bollywood—and its fans—not to forget the legends that shaped its sound.
