Kangana Ranaut alleges A.R. Rahman refused to meet her for ‘Emergency’, calls out ‘bias’ after composer’s interview remarks

What happened: Kangana Ranaut accused A.R. Rahman of refusing to meet her for the music of her film ‘Emergency’.

• Why it matters now: The claim surfaced after Rahman labelled ‘Chhaava’ a “divisive” film during a recent interview, prompting debates on creative choices and neutrality in Bollywood.

• What changes for people: Fans are witnessing an escalating rift between two of India’s most influential creatives, shaping conversations around industry politics and artistic collaboration.

• Who is affected: Followers of Ranaut, Rahman, and the teams behind ‘Emergency’ and ‘Chhaava’.

Actor and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has publicly accused Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman of showing bias and declining to meet her for the music of her upcoming political drama ‘Emergency’. The accusation came hours after Rahman, in a BBC Asian Network interview, described his new project ‘Chhaava’ as “divisive” but said he still agreed to work on it after reading the script.

What sparked the dispute

Rahman’s interview addressed how composers navigate films rooted in sensitive or polarising themes. While discussing ‘Chhaava’, he explained that he evaluates scripts carefully before signing on, even if the subject appears contentious.

Shortly after the interview circulated, Ranaut posted on her social media accounts claiming Rahman had “politely declined” any discussion about composing for ‘Emergency’, allegedly without offering her a meeting. She suggested this showed a pattern of selectiveness that she interpreted as “industry bias”.

Why this matters for the film industry

Ranaut, known for speaking openly about perceived favouritism in Bollywood, framed Rahman’s reported refusal as part of a broader issue involving big names avoiding collaborations with her. The comments have triggered new debates around creative freedom, professional boundaries, and how artists choose projects in politically charged times.

Industry observers note that both ‘Emergency’ and ‘Chhaava’ explore themes rooted in Indian history, but with very different political lenses. Any public disagreement between major personalities adds to the already polarised conversation around film narratives in India.

Responses and expert views

Rahman has not issued a direct response to Ranaut’s allegations, and there is no confirmation from his team about the reasons behind the declined meeting. Music directors and producers familiar with the creative process say that composers often refuse films based on schedules, themes, or personal comfort, and such decisions do not always reflect bias.

Cultural analysts also point out that public exchanges like this can influence audience expectations, especially when tied to high-profile releases.