A. R. Rahman and the Politics of Perception: What the Data Reveals

In a recent interview, A. R. Rahman said that he stopped getting work after the change in political power, referring to the BJP coming to power. He specifically mentioned the last eight years as the period of decline.

It’s a serious statement — and one that deserves to be examined with facts.

So let’s look at his Hindi filmography using the same timeline he referred to.

Period 1 — Before the last 8 years

(1995–2015)

Rangeela, Dil Se.., Taal, Thakshak, Lagaan, Saathiya, Swades, Yuva, Water, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, Rang De Basanti, Guru, Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, Ada… A Way of Life, Ghajini, Yuvvraaj, Delhi-6, Blue, Raavan, Jhootha Hi Sahi, Rockstar, Ekk Deewana Tha, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Raanjhanaa, Highway, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, Tamasha.

Total: 29 films
Time span: ~21 years
Average: ~1.4 films per year

Period 2 — Last 8 years

(2016–2025)

Mohenjo Daro, Mom, Sachin: A Billion Dreams, Beyond the Clouds, Ok Jaanu, Sanju, Dil Bechara, 99 Songs, Mimi, Atrangi Re, Heropanti 2, Mili, Gandhi Godse – Ek Yudh, Pippa, Animal, Maidaan, Amar Singh Chamkila, Tere Ishq Mein, Chhaava, Ufff Yeh Siyapaa.

Total: 20 films
Time span: 8–9 years
Average: ~2.2–2.5 films per year

What the data shows

If we use the artist’s own reference period of the last eight years, the numbers show the opposite of decline.

• Before: ~1.4 films per year

• Last 8 years: ~2.3 films per year

In other words, A. R. Rahman has done significantly more Hindi films per year in the period he describes as professionally constrained.

This does not question his stature, talent, or emotional experience.

But it does question the idea that political change reduced opportunities.

Feelings can be real.
But when feelings are framed as political consequence, facts must also enter the discussion.

Because memory can shape narratives —
but numbers help keep them grounded.