Responding to the backlash over his recent remarks on the Hindi film industry, Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman on Sunday released a video message on Instagram, stressing that music has always been his way of connecting with, honouring, and celebrating India's diverse cultural heritage.

In the video, Rahman said India remains his inspiration, teacher, and home. "I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt."

"I feel blessed to be Indian, which enables me to create a space that always allows freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices," he added.

The composer highlighted several of his recent projects, including nurturing Jala, presented at the Wave Summit before the Prime Minister, collaborating with young Naga musicians to form a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, building Secret Mountain, described as India's first multicultural virtual band, and scoring Ramayana alongside Hans Zimmer.

He said, "Each journey has strengthened my purpose. I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Jai Hind and Jai Bharat."

Rahman's video comes amid discussions triggered by his comments during a recent interaction with the BBC Asian Network, where he spoke about his relative absence from Hindi cinema in recent years. He had attributed it to a "power shift" in the industry, suggesting that decision-making had moved into the hands of people who were "not creative".

Rahman also said, "It might be a communal thing also, but it is not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family."

Following these remarks, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut posted a series of statements on Instagram criticising Rahman. Addressing the composer directly, she wrote, "Dear A R Rahman ji, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you."

Referring to his reported refusal to associate with her film Emergency, Ranaut added, "I was told you don't want to be a part of a propaganda film, you are blinded by your hate."

In another post, Ranaut alleged discrimination by designers and industry colleagues, saying, "Leftists are blinded by their hate and prejudice and the young generation must be very cautious of them." She also claimed she felt "humiliated and degraded" over past professional experiences, accusing certain industry figures of hypocrisy.