DMK MP Kanimozhi has expressed her support for music maestro AR Rahman following his controversial remarks about Bollywood. On X, she wrote, "I stand with @arrahman. Targeting a musician whose art transcends religion, language, and identity—and the silence of those in authority—is deeply disturbing." She praised Rahman for popularizing Indian music worldwide, calling him an "ambassador of culture and Indian values."

"Rahman is not only a creator and artist who brought Indian music to the world, but also a key ambassador of our culture. He deserves respect and gratitude, not prejudice and hate. Intolerance has no place in a democratic society," Kanimozhi added. Rahman recently told the BBC Asian Network that work in the Hindi film industry has slowed for him over the past eight years, citing changes in the industry.

Veteran author Shobhaa De criticized Rahman’s remarks as "very dangerous," asserting that Bollywood has always valued talent over religion. Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, she said, "If you have talent, you get a chance. Religion has never been a factor. He is successful and mature; he should not have said this."

Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut also responded, calling Rahman "prejudiced and hateful." On Instagram, she alleged that he refused to meet her or work on the music for her film Emergency, claiming he considered it a "propaganda film." She added that her movie was praised by critics and opposition leaders for its balanced approach, but Rahman’s prejudice blinded him from recognizing its merit.