Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has expressed empathy for members of the Hindi film industry who choose to remain silent on political matters, citing a prevailing fear of potential backlash. In recent years, top Bollywood stars and filmmakers have been criticised for not speaking out against the establishment.
Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, explained that the silence often stems from concerns over consequences such as investigations and raids.
Javed Akhtar on Bollywood not ‘speaking up’
Speaking on Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel, Javed Akhtar highlighted the difference between India and the United States, where Hollywood stars are more openly critical of the government and former President Donald Trump.
“Meryl Streep gave a statement [against the US government], but there was no income tax raid on her. Whether this insecurity is real or not, I don’t want to get into that debate. But the perception exists. If this fear is in one’s heart, then they will worry about the ED, the CBI, an income tax raid… that their files will be opened and they’ll be investigated,” he said.
He added that this fear is not limited to the film fraternity. “They may be in the industry, but they live in the same society. They operate like ordinary people. There’s just more dhoom-dhaam in this profession…I might be one of the few voices speaking up, but I understand why others might not,” Akhtar said.
Javed Akhtar on trolls
One of the most celebrated writers in Indian cinema, Akhtar is known for his blunt criticism of political parties across the spectrum. He also doesn’t shy away from responding to trolls online, despite frequent advice from friends and family to ignore them.
Earlier this year, he told PTI: “Yes, absolutely. Even my friends say ‘let it be. Why do you want to get into it? You are above all these things’. Forgive me for my immodesty, I mostly feel above these but sometimes you have to come down and tell them that, ‘No, you can’t take this liberty, and if you will, I’ll pay you back in the same coins.”
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