Communal bias remarks

AR Rahman was asked if he felt prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer, to which he replied, “Maybe I never got to know of this, maybe it was concealed by God, but I didn’t feel any of this. The past eight years, maybe, because a power shift has happened, and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face." He also criticised Chhaava for cashing in on ‘divisiveness’. His comments attracted a lot of backlash, while other came out in his support.

Collaboration with Jani Master

AR Rahman faced intense backlash for collaborating with Jani Master for Peddi. Jani Master was facing serious sexual harassment charges under the POCSO Act.

Nazrul Geeti distortion

Rahman faced backlash from the family of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam for his rendition of the song Karar Oi Louho Kopat in the film Pippa. Many criticised him for "distortion" of the original rhythm and tune.

Jai Ho title

AR Rahman had reportedly objected to the use of the title Jai Ho for Salman Khan`s 2014 film. The music composer claimed it was associated with his Oscar-winning song and required permission. Nevertheless, the issue was resolved out-of-court after Rahman eventually issued a No Objection Certificate.

AR Rahman divorce 

Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation in November 2024 after 29 years of marital bliss, which grabbed a lot of eyeballs, and had the internet whispering.

Defamation row

Following thier divorce announcement, the internet began buzzing with intense speculation and conspiracy theories. This included rumours of his alleged affair with his bassists Mohini Dey, since she too announced her separation on the same day. The online chatter led Rahman to issue a 24-hour ultimatum to YouTubers and platforms to remove "defamatory" content or face criminal defamation suits.

Vande Mataram controversy

A journalist claimed that he refused to sing his iconic song Vande Mataram despite her repeated requests. This led to many questioning his patriotism. However, singer Chinmayi Sripada came to his defence, noting that he has often sung the song at his concerts and his refusal could be for other reasons.

Chennai concert

Rahman`s Chennai concert in September 2023 faced criticism due to massive overcrowding, traffic, and a  stampede-like situation. In June 2025, a Chennai consumer court ordered ACTC Events to pay compensation to a fan who missed the show due to the chaos. Rahman expressed that he was "terribly disturbed" by the situation and offered refunds to those affected.

Veera Raja Veera song row

Classical vocalist Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar filed a lawsuit claiming that Rahman`s song Veera Raja Veera from Ponniyin Selvan 2 was copied from Dagar family`s traditional Shiva Stuti. In April 2025, the Delhi High Court ordered Rahman and producers to deposit Rs 2 crore and update the credits.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya`s remarks

Abhijeet Bhattacharya had criticised Rahman over the overuse of technology, mentioning that the composer believed he could make music on a laptop, and he no longer needed any musicians. AR Rahman gracefully responded saying, "It`s nice to blame me for everything," adding that he loved Abhijeet and "it`s his opinion, and there`s nothing wrong with having one."

Daughter slammed for wearing burqa

Bangladeshi-Swedish writer Taslima Nasrin criticised AR for allowing his daughter Khatija to wear a burqa. Khatija had given a befitting reply to this. Although Rahman did not directly respond to Nasrin, he later in an interview emphasised how his daughter had the freedom to do and wear what she liked.

Fatwa over Muhammad: The Messenger of God

A Mumbai-based Sufi group reportedly issued a fatwa against AR Rahman for composing music for an Iranian film Muhammad: The Messenger of God (2015) about Prophet Muhammad. He defended his choice, saying he did it out of sincerity and faith.