Bollywood actor-filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has sharply criticised music composer AR Rahman following his recent comments about the film Chhaava, calling his stance “prejudiced and hateful.” The dispute follows Rahman’s description of the historical drama as “divisive,” a remark that drew strong reactions from several industry figures. Ranaut took to Instagram Stories to address Rahman directly, saying she has faced bias in the film industry for her political views but has “never encountered anyone more prejudiced and hateful” than him. She also claimed Rahman declined to meet her and opted out of composing music for her directorial project Emergency, allegedly referring to it as a “propaganda film.” Ranaut emphasised that Emergency — which features her as former prime minister Indira Gandhi and covers the 1975–77 state of emergency in India — received positive feedback from critics and some political leaders alike. She accused Rahman of letting personal animosity influence his opinions, writing that he is “blinded by hate.” Rahman’s original remarks about Chhaava described the film as one that “cashed in on divisiveness,” although he also spoke about its themes of courage and the audience’s ability to interpret art for themselves. The exchange has added fuel to ongoing conversations in Bollywood about artistic choices, political perspectives and industry dynamics.
Kangana Ranaut slams AR Rahman as “prejudiced and hateful” over his ‘divisive’ comment on Chhaava, saying he is “blinded by hate”
