Lucky Ali calls out Javed Akhtar over resurfaced remark

A resurfaced clip of veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has stirred controversy online. In the video—taken from a panel talk—Akhtar urges Hindus “not to become like Muslims,” referencing debates around faith, free speech, and shifting cultural sensitivities. He also recalls a conversation with filmmaker Raju Hirani, lamenting that “Hindus are becoming like Muslims,” which he described as a “tragedy.”

Singer Lucky Ali reacted bluntly on X, taking a sharp dig at Akhtar’s originality and style—his post quickly snowballed into a wider social-media discussion.

In the same talk, Akhtar reflected on how scenes once possible in classics like Sholay—he cited a moment involving a character hiding behind a deity’s idol—might not be written today. He also spoke broadly about India’s democratic strength and the coexistence of multiple, even conflicting, truths. Akhtar noted he’s faced criticism from different sides over the years and has, at times, received police protection following threats.