In a recent discussion at the 13th edition of Expresso by SCREEN, playback singer Shilpa Rao offered her insights on comments made by renowned composer AR Rahman, who suggested that a communal bias may have led to fewer opportunities for him in the Hindi film industry over the past eight years. Rao stressed the importance of maintaining artistic integrity, even if it means losing projects, stating, "You might lose a project or two, but in the bigger picture, you have to project yourself as yourself." Rahman's remarks, made during an interview with the BBC, sparked significant debate and criticism, prompting him to clarify his stance in a video statement where he expressed his deep appreciation for India and its multicultural fabric. The Expresso by SCREEN event, which features prominent voices from the Indian entertainment industry, continues to serve as a platform for such critical conversations.