Mehbooba Mufti Critiques Javed Akhtar's Dismissal of A.R. Rahman's Concerns on Bollywood's Communalism

In a recent statement, Mehbooba Mufti criticized Javed Akhtar for dismissing A.R. Rahman's concerns regarding the growing communalism in Bollywood. She emphasized that such dismissals undermine the real experiences of Indian Muslims, including those of Shabana Azmi, who faced discrimination in housing due to her faith. Mufti's remarks highlight the ongoing debate about the representation and challenges faced by Muslims in the Indian film industry, asserting that Bollywood reflects the country's social realities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 16:21 IST

Mufti's Response to Akhtar's Comments

Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), expressed her views on Sunday regarding Javed Akhtar's dismissal of A.R. Rahman's concerns about the alleged communalism in Bollywood.

In a post on the social media platform 'X', Mufti stated, “When Javed Akhtar dismisses A.R. Rahman's worries about the rising communalism in Bollywood, he undermines the real experiences of Indian Muslims. This includes the experiences of his wife, Shabana Azmi, who has openly shared that she was denied rental housing in a metropolitan city like Mumbai simply for being a Muslim.”

According to reports, Akhtar remarked that there is no communal element affecting Rahman's opportunities in Bollywood. Mufti added, “Bollywood has always been a vibrant 'mini-India' reflecting the social realities of the country. Ignoring such experiences does not alter the truth of contemporary India.”