# Manoj Muntashir rejects AR Rahman’s discrimination claim

2026-08-10T14:18:38+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Lyricist Manoj Muntashir has dismissed AR Rahman's suggestion that he has lost work in Bollywood because of communal prejudice. In an interview, Muntashir pointed to Muslims who reached the top in India, cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin, a President, and Rahman himself, and said the composer should look at other reasons for fewer offers, such as poor professional relationships or songs that did not work. He also questioned Rahman's decision to call the film 'Chhaava' propaganda after agreeing to compose its music. Rahman had earlier told the BBC that a 'power shift' and possibly 'a communal thing' might have reduced his work, though he added that he was not actively seeking projects.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-muntashir-reacts-to-ar-rahman-s-chhaava-propaganda-remark-questions-communal-claim-101786348246523.html>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/manoj-muntashir-reacts-to-ar-rahmans-communal-remark-and-calling-chhaava-a-propaganda-film-says-he-must-not-have-maintained-good-relationships-when-a-muslim-becomes-the-president-of-india-/articleshow/133108376.cms>

Tags: AR Rahman, Chhaava, discrimination in Bollywood, Hindu film industry, Manoj Muntashir
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