Javed Akhtar, the veteran lyricist and screenwriter, has come under fire after an old video of him asking Hindus “not to become like Muslims” went viral on social media. The clip, from an event where he spoke about freedom of speech and democracy, quickly drew attention and sparked reactions online.
Lucky Ali reacts to Javed Akhtar’s video
Singer Lucky Ali reacted sharply to the video, commenting on an attention from netizens.
What did Javed Akhtar say?
Back in 2024, during a panel discussion with author Makarand Paranjape, Javed Akhtar spoke about religion, dharma, and spirituality, reflecting on how views have evolved over time. Herereferred to a scene from his 1975 classic ‘Sholay’.He said, “In ‘Sholay’, there was a scene where Dharmendra hides behind Shiv ji’s murti and speaks, and Hema Malini (thinks) Shiv ji is talking to her. Is it possible to have a scene like that today? No, I will not write a scene (like this today). Were there no Hindus in 1975 (when ‘Sholay’ released)? Were there no religious people? There were.”
Javed Akhtar recalled conversation with Raju Hirani
He further recalled a discussion in Pune with filmmaker Raju Hirani, saying, “As a matter of fact, I’m on record, I’m not saying it right here. Raju Hirani and I were in Pune in front of a big audience and I said ‘Don’t become like Muslims. Make them like yourself. You are becoming like Muslims’. It’s a tragedy.”
Javed Akhtar on democracy and diversity
Akhtar also reflected on India’s democratic strength. He said, “Why do we have Democracy? Which you don’t find till you reach the Mediterranean coats. Because what he said is true, this can be true and that can also be true. This can be believed and that can also be believed.”
When Javed Akhtar reacted on facing criticism
This is not the first time Akhtar has faced backlash. In a previous NDTV interview, he said, “Some call me a jihadi, others say I’m a kaafir who will go to hell. Mumbai Police has offered me protection several times due to threats, mostly from Muslim groups, and once from the other side.”
