'I quietly cried in car': Kangana Ranaut shares 'humiliating' Masaba Gupta saree snub incident after AR Rahman's 'communal' remarks about Bollywood

Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked headlines with a personal revelation intertwined with the recent controversy surrounding AR Rahman’s remarks on Bollywood becoming “communal.” Sharing her side on Instagram Stories, the actor-director took fans through an emotional journey, recounting a humiliating incident with designer Masaba Gupta, daughter of Bollywood actress Neena Gupta and addressing the prejudice she claims to have faced in the film industry. Kangana’s candid disclosures highlight the personal and professional challenges she says she has navigated, bringing fresh attention to the ongoing debate about bias and inclusivity in Bollywood.

Kangana detailed how certain designers, who once courted her support for their campaigns, later refused to provide wardrobe support for her projects. She recalled a particularly painful incident while preparing for an event at Ram Janmbhoomi, when Masaba Gupta allegedly told her stylist that Kangana could not wear her saree. Having already departed from Lucknow to Ayodhya, Kangana shared that she found it impossible to change her outfit and felt deeply humiliated, admitting that she quietly cried in her car. She also mentioned that following the incident, the designer instructed her stylist not to mention her brand in connection with Kangana.

Adding context to the relationship, Kangana reminded fans that she had even performed at Masaba Gupta’s wedding in 2015, years before the designer’s remarriage in 2023. This personal anecdote emphasised the contrast between their earlier camaraderie and the alleged snub she experienced.

Kangana also addressed AR Rahman’s comments directly, stating that her share of experiences of prejudice stems from her supporting a saffron party. She revealed that she had attempted to narrate her directorial venture, Emergency, to Rahman, but was refused a meeting and allegedly labelled the film as “propaganda.” Kangana highlighted that despite critical acclaim and praise from various quarters, including opposition leaders, Rahman’s stance, she believes, reflects personal bias and prejudice.

What AR Rahman said in interview

In a BBC Asian Network interview, Haroon Rashid asked AR Rahman about prejudice within the Hindi film industry and discrimination against the Tamil community. Rahman responded that he personally never experienced such issues, suggesting perhaps he was shielded from them. He noted that power has shifted in recent years, with non-creative individuals often making key decisions. In his exact words, he said, "You know, people who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face."

Rahman emphasised that he prefers to let work come to him rather than actively seek it, trusting that his sincerity and effort will earn him what he deserves, rather than chasing opportunities, which he considers a jinx.