“Not More Prejudiced”: Kangana Ranaut Lashes Out at AR Rahman Over ‘Emergency’ Rejection

Bollywood actress and director Kangana Ranaut has publicly criticized Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, claiming he refused to meet her or work on her directorial project “Emergency” because he viewed it as “propaganda.”

The controversy erupted after Rahman’s recent comments about the Hindi film industry becoming “communal” went viral, triggering responses from several industry figures including Ranaut, who shared her grievances on social media.

“Dear @arrahman ji, 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,” Ranaut wrote alongside a screenshot from Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network.

She further alleged that despite her attempts to narrate her film to him, the composer wouldn’t even agree to a meeting. “Forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don’t want to be part of a propaganda film,” Ranaut stated.

The actress-turned-director defended her film, which portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency period of 1975-77, claiming it received critical acclaim despite Rahman’s alleged prejudgment. “Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics. Even opposition party leaders sent me fan letters appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach but you are blinded by your hate,” she added.

Rahman’s original comments, which sparked this public feud, came during his interview where he discussed potential bias in the Hindi film industry. When asked if he faced discrimination as someone from Tamil Nadu working in Bollywood, Rahman suggested that while he personally hadn’t experienced direct prejudice, the industry dynamics have shifted in recent years.

“Maybe I never got to know about this. Maybe it was concealed, but I didn’t feel any of this,” Rahman said. “Maybe in the past eight years, 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.”

The composer also addressed his work on “Chhaava,” a film about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj that some critics have called divisive. Rahman acknowledged the film’s controversial aspects but defended his participation, stating that he felt “honored to score for a film based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj” and that while it “cashed in on divisiveness,” its core message about bravery influenced his decision to take on the project.

This public spat highlights growing tensions within the Indian film industry, where political allegiances and cultural differences increasingly affect professional relationships. Ranaut, known for her outspoken support of right-wing politics, has previously claimed to face industry discrimination for her political views.

Other prominent industry figures including lyricist Javed Akhtar, author Shobhaa De, and singer Shaan have also weighed in on Rahman’s comments, indicating the broader conversations occurring about communalism and partisanship in Bollywood.

Rahman, who has maintained a generally apolitical public image throughout his decorated career, suggested in his interview that he prefers to let his work speak for itself rather than chase opportunities: “I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”

The controversy continues to generate discussion about the intersection of politics, religion, and art in India’s entertainment industry, particularly as polarization increases across social and cultural spheres.