AR Rahman’s off-the-cuff ‘communal’ comment has ignited a wildfire of responses, engulfing Bollywood stars, political figures, and holy men in controversy. The music maestro’s words have forced a reckoning on unity in the arts.
Stepping into the spotlight is Mamta Kulkarini, the 90s icon turned spiritual guide, delivering a memorable zinger. She attributes the shift to youth impatience: ‘Music has gone pop-star casual. Old-school collaboration is dead—now music directors snack on popcorn mid-session. Rahman should rejoice I’m not there bossing his playlist.’
Kulkarini’s journey from silver screen to serenity includes a telling Dubai memory. Absorbed in meditation, she ignored films until ‘Kaminey’ came up. ‘Title screams sleaze—what about the tracks?’ she wondered. Now embracing a pure, dairy-fueled spiritual path, she’s worlds away from tinsel town.
Grieving Bollywood’s religious fractures, she fondly remembered the 90s harmony. ‘Aamir dropped by freely; faith was irrelevant,’ she said. ‘Today’s prejudice—is Aamir Muslim? Is this Hindu? Artists aren’t defined by dogma. End this nonsense.’
The chorus of critique includes Shaan’s stoic take on his lean years, never seeing them as personal attacks. With Shankar Mahadevan and Anup Jalota also speaking out, the incident spotlights Bollywood’s struggle with identity politics, calling for artists to rise above divisions.