During an interview with BBC Asian Network, Rahman was asked whether he ever felt prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer. He said, “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 added, "It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family."

Talking of Chhaava, he said, "It is a divisive film. I think it cashed in on divisiveness, but I think the core of it is to show bravery." He further revealed, "I had asked the director, 'Why did he need me for this film?' But he said that we need only you for this." He added, "It is an enjoyable film, but definitely, people are smarter than that. Do you think people are going to get influenced by movies? They have something called internal conscience, which knows what the truth is and what manipulation is."

Similarly, Javed Akhtar opposed his views and told IANS, "I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him. Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him. But I don't think there is any communal element in this. Why don't you see him? He will definitely come."

Kangana Ranaut lashed out at the composer saying, "Dear AR Rahman, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party, yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you, I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you, forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be a part of a propaganda film."

During an interview with IANS, Shaan rejected the idea, saying, “When it comes to not getting work, I am standing right here in front of you. I have sung so much over the years, yet even I don’t get work at times. But I don’t take it personally, because it is a personal matter; everyone has their own thinking and their own preferences.”

Following the backlash, Rahman took to Instagram to share a video statement and said, “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring our culture. 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 concluded his statement saying, “I remain grateful to this nation and committed to music that honours the past,” and ended with footage of his song Maa Tujhe Salaam.

Lyricist Varun Grover came in support of Rahman and posted, "The greatest living composer of the last 3 decades got attacked and abused (even by people within the industry) for stating an opinion in the politest, mildest manner, that too based on his lived-experience." He added, "And the very next day forced to issue an apology/clarification to calm the toxic mob down. If any further proof was needed to confirm his hints at the rising divisiveness..."

Paresh Rawal also showed his support by sharing a video of AR Rahman and wrote, "We love you, sir. You are our pride."

Kailasa Menon also supported AR by posting, “Disagree, don't disgrace. People blaming A. R. Rahman for speaking his mind are missing a basic point. He spoke about how he felt. That is his right. You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience. What followed, however, has gone far beyond disagreement and entered the space of abuse."

Both Khatija and Raheema, AR Rahman's daughters, shared Malayalam music composer Kailas Menon’s note in support of Rahman on their Instagram Stories, extending their support to their father.

In a separate interview, he said, "I've done 20-30 movies in the last six years. So, I'm safe now. I've got enough for the next generation. That was intentional," which stands contrary to his earlier statement of not getting work.