Bollywood is the most secular place: Rani Mukerji hits back at AR Rahman's communal remark

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s recent comments regarding possible communal bias in Bollywood have sparked debate within the film industry. In an interview, Rahman suggested that non-creative individuals now influence decisions in the industry and hinted at potential bias in hiring practices. Responding to these remarks, actor Rani Mukerji shared her perspective, stating that she has never witnessed such discrimination during her three-decade career in Bollywood.

Rani Mukerji, who has spent three decades in Bollywood, disagreed with Rahman’s assertion. She described the Hindi film industry as secular and merit-driven, highlighting



her personal experiences of inclusivity. In a conversation with DD News, she addressed the remarks and said, "Bollywood is the most secular place, and I truly believe that. There is no discrimination based on caste or religion. In my 30 years in the industry, I have never experienced anything like this. I love this industry – it made me who I am today. I am saying this from the bottom of my heart: here, merit matters."

She further said, “Your work speaks for you, and ultimately, the person the audience connects with is the one who survives and succeeds. For me, Bollywood remains the most secular and one of the most amazing places to be."