New Delhi: Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman has sparked a political storm after suggesting that his reduced work in Bollywood over the past eight years may be linked to a “communal thing,” drawing sharp reactions from the BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

In a recent interview with the BBC Asian Network, Rahman said fewer projects had been coming his way, which he attributed to a “power shift” in the Hindi film industry. He added that he often hears about projects through “Chinese whispers.”

Responding to Rahman’s remarks, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy dismissed the suggestion that religion played a role in the composer’s career slowdown.

“AR Rahman's comment today that he is not getting support in the film music industry because of being Muslim is absolutely false. The country has supported and received him as the number one music director in the country,” Reddy said, according to ANI.

He added that Rahman has always been respected across communities and said it was “unfortunate” that religion was brought into the discussion.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad also criticised Rahman, with national spokesperson Vinod Bansal questioning his claims and accusing him of unfairly targeting the film industry.

“He (AR Rahman) was adored by all Indians and Hindu people. Instead of looking within himself, that's why he is not getting work, he is badmouthing the system and defaming the entire industry. What does he want to prove?,” Bansal said, as quoted by ANI.

His remarks also included controversial comments on Rahman’s faith, which drew further attention online.

“He was once a Hindu himself. Why did he convert to Islam? Do 'gharwapasi' now. Maybe you will start getting work once again,” Bansal said, adding, “Such petty statements can be made by a politician, it does not suit an artist.”