A political controversy has arisen after a recent interview of famous musician and Oscar winner AR Rahman. In the interview, Rahman said that in the last eight years he has got less work in Bollywood than before. He also commented that the change in power did not have a positive impact on the creative environment. After his statement, a round of political reactions has started.

According to the information, AR Rahman’s statement has sparked debate not only in the film industry but also in political circles. Rehman’s statement is getting support from opposition parties, while BJP leaders have raised questions on it.

BREAKING | Controversy over the statement of musician AR Rahman@anchorjiya | https://t.co/smwhXUROiK#ARRahman #BJP #SamajwadiParty #AkhileshYadav #ABPNews pic.twitter.com/9dik5MScF5

— ABP News (@ABPNews) January 17, 2026

Music should not be seen from the perspective of religion or discrimination – AR Rahman

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav gave a statement in support of Rehman. He said that he has been a big fan of AR Rahman. Akhilesh said that Rahman’s songs used to top the music charts even before their release. He said that AR Rahman is a great artist of the country and the world and art, music and culture should not be seen from the perspective of religion or discrimination.

Hindu-Muslim issues keep wandering in the minds of some people unnecessarily – Dilip Jaiswal

Whereas Bihar government minister Dilip Jaiswal rejected Rehman’s statement and said that Hindu-Muslim issues keep roaming in the minds of some people unnecessarily. He said that there is no such situation in the country and here work is being done on the policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

Oscar winner is not getting work because of religion – Imran Masood

Describing this matter as serious, Congress MP Imran Masood said that if an Oscar-winning artiste is saying that he is not getting work, then it is a matter of concern. He said that if someone is being deprived of work because of religion, then it raises serious questions for the entire country.

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Veteran singer Bhupen Hazarika’s youngest brother and well-known Assamese musician Samar Hazarika passed away on Tuesday. He was ill for some time. This information has been given by his family sources.

illness and hospital discharge
Samar Hazarika was ill for some time and was recently discharged from the hospital. He was 75 years old. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. Samar Hazarika was the youngest among 10 siblings in his family.

Music and contributions
He sang songs for radio, albums and films and also composed many compositions. He has played an important role in carrying forward the rich musical legacy of his family. In particular, he has contributed in carrying forward the legacy of his Bharat Ratna awardee elder brother through songs of humanity and universal brotherhood.

Chief Minister’s condolence message
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Vishwa Sharma has expressed deep grief over the demise of Samar Hazarika. “His soulful voice lit up every occasion and he made an indelible contribution to the cultural landscape of Assam,” he said in a post on ‘X’. He also carried forward the rich legacy of Sudhakant Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and contributed extensively to our efforts to celebrate his birth centenary.

Anguished by the passing away of veteran singer Shri Samar Hazarika.

His soulful voice lighted up every occasion and he made indelible contributions to Assam’s cultural scenario.

He also carried forward the rich legacy of Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and extensively… pic.twitter.com/GlMbogWgNr

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 13, 2026

Chief Minister expressed condolences
The Chief Minister said, ‘With his demise, Assam has lost another golden voice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in this hour of grief.

Condolence message from Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, ‘The news of the demise of the eminent singer on the day of Uruka (Magh Bihu festival day) is very sad. He captivated the hearts and souls of people with his melodious voice. The minister said that his contribution to Assamese music will remain immortal and will always be remembered.