Manoj Muntashir rejects AR Rahman’s ‘communal bias’ claim, says 'This country's biggest stars are Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir'

Manoj Muntashir reacts to A R Rahman claims

• Muntashir disputes AR Rahman's claims of communal bias in Hindi cinema.
• He cites industry inclusiveness and success of artists from diverse backgrounds
• Muntashir respects Rahman but denies recent discrimination in Bollywood.

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Lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir has spoken out firmly against AR Rahman’s recent remarks about alleged ‘communal bias’ in the Hindi film industry, saying he does not agree with the composer’s assessment and believes the industry has always been broadly inclusive.

His comments come at a time when AR Rahman’s statements have sparked intense discussion across social media and the film fraternity.

In a candid interaction with IANS, Manoj Muntashir questioned the idea that religion plays a deciding role in opportunities within Hindi cinema. He pointed to some of the country’s most admired and successful figures to underline his argument.

“This is a country whose biggest superstars are Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Its most celebrated writers and poets include Javed Akhtar, Sahir Ludhianvi and Majrooh Sultanpuri. This is also a country where the cricket team was captained by Mohammad Azharuddin. I don’t believe there is any discrimination in our industry,” he said.

Going deeper, Manoj Muntashir spoke about the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stressing that cinema is built by hundreds of people working together, regardless of their background.

“In any Hindi film, at any time, just read the opening and end credits. You will see a long list of names, almost 250 people. If you look closely, you will notice a clear pattern. I openly challenge anyone to pick any random film and show me where one particular religion has been given special importance while others were ignored. You will never find anything like that,” he stated.

Despite his strong disagreement, Manoj Muntashir made it a point to express admiration for AR Rahman and his contribution to Indian music.

“We respect AR Rahman deeply and are very proud that he belongs to our country. At the same time, with complete respect, we have the right to disagree, and I completely disagree with the claim being made, especially the suggestion that something has changed in the last eight years. I don’t understand why that time period is being highlighted,” he said.

To further explain his view, Manoj Muntashir referenced recent blockbusters that have shattered box-office records, saying audience love has never been selective.

“In the last eight years, films like Pathaan and Jawan have broken all box office records. This country has a big heart and soul. It does not judge its artists, it loves them. If you do good work, people lift you on their shoulders. Sometimes they get upset and scold you, but that closeness comes from love,” he explained.

Also Read: Jaaved Jaaferi reacts to AR Rahman’s 'communal' remark, says "Industry has changed like the world has changed"

Summing up his thoughts, he added, “That is the relationship between this country and its artists. Any kind of discrimination, of any sort, I completely refuse to believe. This inclusiveness is our identity.”

The debate began after AR Rahman suggested that his Hindi film work had slowed over the past eight years due to a “power shift” and “communal” politics in the industry.

Following widespread criticism, the composer later shared a video message apologising and clarifying that he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.