A while ago, AR Rahman was in the news due to his remark about getting less work in Bollywood due to communalism. He had also called ‘Chhaava’ a propaganda film. Lyricist Manoj Muntashir has now reacted to Rahman’s comment. Manoj pointed to the success of several prominent Muslims in India and argued that Rahman himself has achieved an unparalleled position through his work.He said in an interview with Shubankar Mishra, “When Mohd Azharuddin become captain of the Indian Cricket team, when a Muslim becomes 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?’ Today because of some reason you feel that you are getting less work than why shouldn’t we look for other reasons. 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 is the reason behind hurting the social fabric of this nation suddenly. But whenever, I will meet him, I will ask him this. He does not mind an open dialogue. “Manoj also addressed Rahman’s comments about Vicky Kaushal-starrer ‘Chhaava’, which the composer had reportedly described as a propaganda film despite being part of the project as its music director. Manoj questioned why Rahman agreed to work on the film if he had reservations about its narrative.He said, “He shouldn’t have been a part of that film. 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. 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, I do not understand this, sorry.”Rahman had previously discussed the possibility of prejudice in the Hindi film industry during an interaction with the BBC. When asked whether he had personally experienced discrimination, the Oscar-winning composer said, “Maybe I never get to know of this, maybe it was concealed but I didn’t feel any of this. 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. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you but the music company went ahead and hired their 5 composers. I say good, I have more time to chill with my family. 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.”Manoj’s latest remarks have once again put the spotlight on Rahman’s earlier comments about his experiences in the Hindi film industry. While Rahman had spoken about the possibility of communal prejudice and changing power dynamics affecting his work opportunities, Manoj has offered a different perspective, suggesting that factors such as professional relationships or the performance of recent songs could also be considered.His comments have also reignited the conversation around ‘Chhaava’, particularly Rahman’s criticism of the film despite his involvement in its music. Manoj’s response presents a contrasting view on whether the composer should have associated himself with the project in the first place if he disagreed with its treatment or message.
