In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, controversies are a part and parcel of being a public figure. One such similar situation happened recently when a single statement set the internet ablaze. Recently, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar once again found himself in the middle of a heated debate.
Recently, an old clip of Javed Akhtar went viral where he can be heard asking Hindus “not to become like Muslims.” This statement was enough to create a firestorm online. The remark, originally made during a 2024 panel discussion on democracy and faith, has now drawn sharp criticism. With fans and netizens reacting, singer Lucky Ali’s blunt response to this has also gone viral.
Javed Akhtar’s statement that created a firestorm
The controversy began when Akhtar’s old clip from a discussion with author Makarand Paranjape resurfaced online. Javed was heard talking about religion, dharma, and spirituality, reflecting on how views have evolved.
Taking a reference from Sholay, Akhtar spoke about how a scene involving Dharmendra and Hema Malini, where Dharmendra hides behind Shivji’s idol, could not be written today without controversy. 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’ was released)? Were there no dharmic people? There were.”
Javed Akhtar on recalling a 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.”
Lucky Ali’s Sharp Reaction
Reacting to this, Lucky Ali slammed Javed Akhtar’s remark and wrote: “Don’t become like Javed Akhtar, never original and ugly as f*.”
His comment came in response to journalist Irena Akbar’s post quoting Akhtar’s words. The exchange spread rapidly across platforms, with fans and critics weighing in on both sides, some defending Akhtar’s intellectual freedom, others supporting Ali’s bold call-out.
Akhtar on freedom and democracy
In the same discussion, Akhtar had elaborated on the idea of democratic coexistence. He said, “Why do we have democracy? Which you don’t find till you reach the Mediterranean coasts. 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.”
Javed Akhtar on facing criticism
Responding to past backlash, Akhtar once 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.”
Story Highlights
- Javed Akhtar’s old video on religion and democracy resurfaced, sparking controversy.
- He said, “Don’t become like Muslims. Make them like yourself.”
- Singer Lucky Ali reacted sharply, calling Akhtar “never original.”
- The remark reignited debate over freedom of speech and religious sensitivity in India(BHARAT).