Mumbai, 24 Jan

Veteran actor-politician Arun Govil responded to a recent remark by AR Rahman about communal bias in Hindi cinema and said that the film industry stands as a testament to diversity, providing opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

The Oscar-winning composer told the BBC Asian Network in a recent interview that the volume of his work in the Hindi film industry has declined over the past eight years, suggesting it may be linked to what he described as a communal thing.

While giving examples of actors like Dilip Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, Govil said the industry promotes inclusivity.

“In our industry, it has never happened where people have not got work due to communal bias. There are examples of this in our industry. In our industry, people of every religion have worked. Even today, there is no such thing. In fact, the film industry is the only industry where there is no communal bias.

"Earlier, we’ve had actors like Dilip Kumar, who was the king of the industry in his time. Even today, Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir are all stars. If there were communal bias, how would they have become stars?” Govil told PTI.

Rahman later issued a clarification on social media on 18 January, saying his remarks were misunderstood and that he never intended to cause pain.

“India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain, and I hope my sincerity is felt,” he said.

Govil was talking on the sidelines of an event organised on Friday evening by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and Cine Artiste Welfare Trust (CAWT), where he was honoured for representing the interests and issues faced by people in the Indian film and television industry in Parliament.