Prakash Raj defends AR Rahman amid controversy, takes swipe at Kangana Ranaut: "Just because he did not work for her.."

Prakash Raj backs AR Rahman

• Prakash Raj defended AR Rahman amid controversy over his comments on Bollywood.
• Kangana Ranaut criticized Rahman for refusing to work on her film Emergency.
• Rahman expressed his love for India and music, stating no intent to hurt anyone.

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Actor and director Prakash Raj has recently addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding music composer AR Rahman as an example of "Who Gets Locked Up for Speaking Out?"

He also brought up Kangana Ranaut's criticism of Rahman, saying that people were "barking."

While speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Prakash Raj had brought the controversy and said, “What is happening with AR Rahman? What is the public discourse? Maa Tujhe Salaam. Jai Ho. Two Oscars. You rejoiced. He just said…he is not begging for work for your kind information, he’s beyond that. He said, this is the truth.”

The actor also mentioned how Rahman was criticised by Kangana for her movie Emergency, which he called "propaganda."

He said, “Look at the euphoria which has started. Look at the barking which has started. A lady director and actress suddenly just because he did not work for her calls him an anti-national. Kangana Ranaut is calling her film Emergency, a propaganda film, as a classic. And that he denied to work. Look at what is happening around you.”

AR Rahman’s latest comment came after the actor-politician Kangana responded to criticism Rahman received for referring to Chhaava as a "divisive" movie in an interview with the BBC Asian Network and suggesting that he may not be getting enough work in Bollywood for "communal" reasons.

The actress took to her Instagram Story and wrote, “Dear @arrahman ji, I face so much prejudice and partiality in the film industry because I support a saffron party yet I must say I have not come across a man more prejudiced and hateful than you.”

She also claimed that the singer had turned down composing for her film Emergency, based on Indira Gandhi, and continued, “I desperately wanted to narrate my directorial Emergency to you. Forget narration, you even refused to meet me. I was told you don't want to be part of a propaganda film. Ironically, Emergency was called a masterpiece by all critics."

Also Read: Is Kangana Ranaut reviving former PM Indira Gandhi’s parliament-era fashion — version 2.0?

He further said, "Even opposition party leaders sent me fan leaders appreciating the film for its balanced and compassionate approach but you are blinded by your hate. I feel sorry for you #emergency.”

In a video address following the uproar, Rahman reaffirmed his love for India and music. He added that he had never intended to hurt anyone.