Ranaut took to social media to voice her allegations after Rahman, in a recent BBC Asian Network interview, called Chhaava a “divisive” film and explained his reasons for agreeing to work on it despite that.
Actor, filmmaker, and politician Kangana Ranaut has openly criticised composer A.R. Rahman, claiming he refused to meet her regarding the music for Emergency and labelled the film as “propaganda.” She posted these allegations on social media after Rahman, in a recent BBC Asian Network interview, called Chhaava a “divisive” film while elaborating on why he decided to be part of the project.
Reacting to Rahman’s remarks, Ranaut said she had approached him for a collaboration on her political drama Emergency, but he declined. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you,” claiming Rahman refused to meet her once he learned the film’s subject. She further added, “You even refused to meet me… I was told you don’t want to be part of a propaganda film.”
Ranaut also asserted that Emergency, which she directed and portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in, garnered positive reviews and praise from leaders across the political spectrum. “Even opposition party leaders sent me fan letters appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach,” she wrote, adding that Rahman was “blinded by hate.”
In his BBC interview, Rahman admitted that Chhaava explored divisive themes but described its essence as a story of courage. He also questioned whether audiences are easily swayed by films, noting that people have an “internal conscience” to separate truth from manipulation. Additionally, Rahman hinted that changes in industry power dynamics might have led to him receiving fewer Hindi film offers in recent years, though he clarified that any bias was never explicitly directed at him.
In the same series of posts, Ranaut also recounted a past incident with fashion designer Masaba Gupta, alleging that Gupta denied her permission to wear one of her saris during a visit to the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Ranaut said the refusal left her feeling humiliated and added that the designer later requested that her brand not be mentioned.
Emergency, Ranaut’s latest release, centered on India’s 1975–77 Emergency period. Despite receiving significant attention, the film underperformed at the box office.
