Lyricist Manoj Muntashir Hits Back at Critics Amid Ramayana Song Controversy

Namit Malhotra’s Ramayana has found itself at the centre of a debate over Mangal Rang, composed by AR Rahman. Some social media users have raised objections to the song’s qawwali-style touch, questioning whether it fits a film based on the Hindu epic.

Amid the ongoing discussion, lyricist Manoj Muntashir shared an old song from Adipurush on social media. The post did not go down well with everyone, with some users accusing him of trying to draw attention to himself. A television news channel also questioned whether Ramayana was following the same path as Adipurush.

Muntashir was quick to respond to the criticism. Defending the songs he wrote for Adipurush, he pointed out that they continue to find listeners in Ayodhya.

“Go to Shri Ayodhya sometime, and you’ll hear nothing but Adipurush songs playing in every alley,” he said.

He also made his stand clear with the remark, “I didn’t write nursery rhymes for Ram, nor qawwalis.”

Looking back at the backlash following Adipurush, Muntashir said he had apologised to Ram devotees several times for his mistakes and believed they had forgiven him. However, he appeared frustrated with the continued criticism and made it clear that he did not want his songs to be dragged into another round of questions.

He also questioned the news channel’s attempt to compare Ramayana with Adipurush. Taking a sarcastic dig at the criticism, he ended his response by saying, “My brother, I wish my stunt had been repeated in the songs of Ramayana.”

Meanwhile, AR Rahman has also spoken about the discussion surrounding Mangal Rang. The composer suggested that after putting so much effort into the project, he no longer had the energy to keep looking at the feedback. The debate over the song, however, continues to draw attention online.