Lyricist Manoj Muntashir Takes Dig At AR Rahman Over ‘Propaganda’ Remark On Chhaava
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Lyricist Manoj Muntashir has challenged AR Rahman’s claims of discrimination in the Hindi film industry, taking a swipe at the Grammy-winning composer for his remark calling the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava a “propaganda” film — despite having composed the music for it.
In a conversation with Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube channel, Muntashir questioned why Rahman agreed to work on the film if he had reservations about its content.
“It is not like you hadn’t heard the script before agreeing to work in it. You suddenly started composing music for it? He must have read the script,” Muntashir said.
“Okay, so it was a propaganda film, and you didn’t want to do it… but after doing the film and calling it a propaganda film, I do not understand this, sorry,” he added.
Muntashir’s reaction came after AR Rahman, in an earlier interaction with BBC host Haroon Rashid, opened up about experiencing possible prejudice in the Hindi film industry due to his religious identity.
Addressing Rahman’s claims, Muntashir suggested the composer’s reduced workload may stem from poor professional relationships rather than his religion.
“It might be that we have not maintained good relations with people. Maybe the songs haven’t worked in the last few years. There can be so many other reasons. I don’t understand what the reason is behind hurting the social fabric of this nation suddenly,” he said.
Muntashir pointed to other Muslim legends who have thrived in India, arguing that religious identity cannot be the reason. “When Mohd Azharuddin became captain of the Indian cricket team, when a Muslim became the President of India, when a legend like AR Rahman… who despite his religious identity… there is no bigger name than him in this country. Why didn’t he ask this question, ‘Why me?’ or ‘Why a Muslim?'” he asked.
In his BBC interview, Rahman had said: “Maybe in the past eight years, because a power shift has happened and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also, but it is not in my face.”
The Oscar-winning composer, who recently moved from Chennai to Mumbai, said he was not in search of work: “I am not in search for work. I don’t want to go in search for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.”
Muntashir said he would be willing to discuss the issue directly with Rahman. “But whenever I meet him, I will ask him this. He does not mind an open dialogue,” he added.
Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, starred Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and was among the biggest blockbusters of the year. Rahman composed its music.
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