Actor-director Kangana Ranaut has publicly criticised composer A R Rahman, accusing him of refusing to meet her about collaborating on her film Emergency and of calling it a “propaganda film”.
The remarks came after Rahman’s recent interview with BBC Asian Network, in which he described the historical drama Chhaava as “divisive” while explaining why he chose to score it. Ranaut responded to those comments on social media, drawing further attention to the ongoing industry conversation.
Taking to Instagram, Ranaut wrote, “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.” She went on to allege that Rahman had declined to even meet her to discuss Emergency.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Emergency, which Ranaut directed and in which she starred as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, focuses on the 1975-1977 Emergency in India. The political drama did not perform strongly at the box office and has been a point of debate since its release.
The controversy echoes Rahman’s earlier comments, in which he described Chhaava as capitalising on divisive themes even though its core message was bravery. Rahman also recently suggested that a shift in industry power structures could explain why he has received fewer Bollywood offers in recent years.
Meanwhile, Emergency was Ranaut's last release, where she played former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It focuses on 21 months of Emergency from 1975 to 1977. Directed and co-produced by Ranaut herself, the film failed to make a mark at the box office. It also featured Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade and Milind Soman.
