Veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has become the center of a social media storm after a resurfaced video featuring one of his recent remarks went viral, drawing widespread criticism. The clip shows Akhtar recalling a scene from the iconic film Sholay involving Hema Malini’s character, Basanti, and a spiritual exchange with Lord Shiva.
During his talk, Akhtar reportedly commented, “I was in Pune with Raju Hirani in front of a big audience where I told them, ‘Don’t be like Muslims. Make them like yourself. You are becoming like Muslims.’” The statement quickly gained traction online, sparking accusations of insensitivity and igniting debate over freedom of expression and religious respect.
Amid the growing backlash, singer-songwriter Lucky Ali weighed in on the issue with a strong reaction on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, Ali wrote, “Don’t become like Javed Akhtar, never original and ugly as f**,”* a comment that rapidly went viral and divided public opinion.
While some users praised Ali for speaking his mind, others criticized the tone of his response. Akhtar, known for his outspoken nature and history of controversial remarks, has so far remained unfazed by the criticism, acknowledging that he has often faced public scrutiny for his views.
The incident has reignited conversations about the intersection of art, religion, and freedom of speech within the Indian entertainment industry. Both Akhtar and Ali continue to trend across social media platforms, highlighting how quickly discourse around public figures can evolve in the digital age.
As discussions continue, one takeaway remains clear — the relationship between creative expression and social sensitivity remains a delicate balance in the ever-watchful world of Bollywood.
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