Manoj Muntashir has questioned AR Rahman’s recent remarks about facing possible discrimination in the Hindi film industry. The lyricist argued that a decline in work could have several explanations and should not immediately be linked to the composer’s religious identity. He also disagreed with Rahman’s views on Chhaava, pointing out that the composer had agreed to work on the film after knowing its story.
Speaking to Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube channel, Manoj said Rahman’s comments about the film did not make sense to him.
Manoj Muntashir Questions AR Rahman Over Chhaava
Addressing Rahman’s description of Chhaava as a “propaganda” film, Manoj said the composer would have been familiar with the script before taking up the project.
“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,” Manoj said.
He added that if Rahman genuinely had reservations about the film, he could have chosen not to associate himself with it.
“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 said.
Manoj Rejects Religious Discrimination Argument
Manoj also pushed back against Rahman’s suggestion that a communal element could be one of the reasons behind him receiving less work in Bollywood.
According to the lyricist, other factors, including professional relationships and the performance of recent songs, should also be considered before attributing the situation to religious discrimination.
“Today, because of some reason you feel that you are getting less work, then why shouldn’t we look for other reasons? It might be that we have not maintained good relations with people,” he said.
He continued, “Maybe the songs haven’t worked in the last few years. There can be so many other reasons.”
Manoj cited prominent Muslim personalities who have occupied some of the biggest positions in India while making his argument. He referred to former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Muslim Presidents of India, while also acknowledging Rahman’s own stature.
“There is no bigger name than him in this country. Why didn’t he ask this question, ‘Why me?’ or ‘Why a Muslim?’” he said.
‘I Will Ask Him When I Meet Him’
Manoj further questioned what he saw as an unnecessary communal interpretation of Rahman’s professional situation.
“I don’t understand what the reason is behind hurting the social fabric of this nation suddenly,” he said.
However, he added that he would be willing to discuss the issue directly with Rahman rather than avoiding a disagreement. “Whenever I meet him, I will ask him this. He does not mind an open dialogue,” Manoj said.
Rahman had earlier spoken about his experience in the Hindi film industry during an interaction with BBC host Haroon Rashid. The composer suggested that changes within the industry over the past eight years may have affected the opportunities coming his way.
“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,” Rahman had said.