Bollywood actress turned politician Kangana Ranaut, is currently making headlines for her scathing Instagram call-out post against celebrated music composer AR Rahman. The actress sharply criticised the music maestro in a story from January 17th, 2026, labelling him as “prejudiced and hateful,” and expressing deep disappointment over a past interaction regarding her directorial project, Emergency.
What prompted the comments?
The tension arose following a recent interview Rahman gave to the BBC Asian Network. In that interview, Rahman shared his reflections on the current state of the Hindi film industry, suggesting that a “power shift” over the last eight years had led to less work for him. “Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now to decide things,” Rahman remarked.
He specifically wondered if there were “communal reasons” behind him receiving fewer offers, mentioning that he often hears “Chinese whispers” about music companies replacing him with multiple composers after he has been booked.
Additionally, Rahman sparked controversy by describing the Vicky Kaushal-starrer historical drama Chhaava – for which he composed the music – as a “divisive film,” which exploited social fault lines. 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 admitted.
He even revealed that he had questioned his own involvement in the project, asking the director, “Why do you need me for this?” He further criticized the use of religious clichés in the movie, calling the inclusion of terms like Subhanallah in negative contexts “cringe.”
Kangana Ranaut’s response
Ranaut reacted strongly to these remarks by contrasting them with her own experience. She alleged that when she was working on her film Emergency, she “desperately wanted” to narrate the script to Rahman for a potential collaboration. However, she claimed that Rahman refused to even meet her.
Her full post read:
“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. 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 part of a propaganda film. 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. I feel sorry for you #emergency.”
In addition to her accusations regarding Emergency, Kangana Ranaut also took aim at Rahman’s comments by calling them “crocodile tears.” She contrasted his comments about industry bias with her own struggles, specifically citing an incident where she felt “humiliated and degraded” by a prominent designer who allegedly refused to let her wear a saree for her visit to Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
While Rahman has yet to respond directly to Ranaut’s specific claims about the Emergency meeting, the industry remains deeply divided over his assessment of Bollywood’s current environment.
Broader industry reactions
Other industry veterans also weighed in on Rahman’s communal remarks. Javed Akhtar dismissed the idea of religious bias in Bollywood, stating that talent remains the primary currency and suggesting that Rahman’s international schedule might simply make him appear less available.
“I don’t agree with that, and I also doubt that he would ever say something like this. I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him,” the veteran lyricist said.
Akhtar’s stance was echoed by other figures like singer Shaan, who pointed out that the industry’s three biggest superstars for the last 30 years – Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan – all belong to the minority community. Shaan noted, “Music doesn’t work that way. If it did, then our three superstars… would not have continued to grow.”
Similarly, author Shobhaa De called Rahman’s comments “very dangerous,” emphasizing that Bollywood has historically been a space free of communal tension.