Amid the ongoing controversy over Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman’s recent “communal” remarks, actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has reopened an old chapter, recalling her “unpleasant” experience with the composer during her directorial film Emergency. Kangana revealed that despite being keen to personally narrate the script to Rahman, he allegedly refused even to meet her, saying he did not want to be part of what he believed was a “propaganda film.”
Taking to Instagram Stories, Kangana made a sharp statement, claiming she has faced bias in the film industry due to her political views but added that she had “not come across a man more prejudiced” than Rahman. She said she was told that Rahman outright declined the project without hearing the narration, a move that deeply disappointed her at the time. Kangana further countered his perception by pointing out that Emergency was widely praised by critics and even received appreciation letters from leaders of opposition parties for its “balanced and compassionate approach.”
Interestingly, Rahman recently told the BBC Asian Network that he has been receiving fewer work offers in Bollywood, suggesting that “non-creative people” now hold decision-making power and hinting that the reasons could be communal, though not said directly to his face. As both sides air their experiences, the episode has reignited debate on ideology, bias, and creative freedom in Bollywood—once again placing Kangana and Rahman at the center of a heated national conversation.
