Javed Akhtar weighs in on Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor
Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, in an interview with The Lallantop, addressed the chatter surrounding Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor. He acknowledged that people are apolitical and added that it wasn't necessary for everyone to speak. During India's Operation Sindoor, an attack against Pakistan's terror sites, many Bollywood actors were criticised for their silence.However, Akhtar had a candid response to actors' silence on Operation Sindoor. "I spoke about it, I didn't stay silent. Sometimes people may not like what I say, sometimes they do. But I say what I believe is the truth. Now who doesn't speak. How would I know? many people are apolitical too."advertisementThe veteran also added that when people are chasing different gals, they sometimes may not have time to be updated on what's going on in the country. "Look, when I was young, even though I came from a politically conscious and very vocal family. But when my films were becoming hits one after another, I had no idea what was going on in politics. I probably didn't even read the newspaper. So that happens," he said.
Continuing further, he added, "Some people are just busy with their own work. If they're not speaking, so be it. What's the big deal? Some people are speaking. Many are. Others are chasing different goals. They want to earn more money or fame. Let them. It's not necessary for everyone to speak, or for us to ask why they didn't." advertisementHe then recalled a conversation he had with a well-known businessman regarding Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor. The businessman asked him about the silence of Bollywood, where many nationalist films are made."First of all, the term 'Bollywood' itself is an anti-national name. You call the Indian film industry 'Bollywood'? In the world, if there's any industry that can compete with Hollywood, it's the Indian film industry. It has nearly wiped out European cinema. Our films are released in 136–137 countries on average and you call it Bollywood?," the actor talked about his response.Javed Akhtar also pointed out the hypocrisy of people in expecting performing artists to prove their patriotism by taking a stand. Acknowledging that there is risk involved, he said, "And if you like to say that a person should speak on every issue - then stand up and tell me, in the past 15 years, you're a businessman, have you ever spoken out against a government policy, taxation, or a rule you didn't like? Then why are you saying others don't speak? Do you? The moment you feel even a little afraid, you go silent. One should only expect others to speak when they themselves do. It's easy to speak when it's convenient try speaking when there's risk involved."Javed Akhtar has always been vocal about several issues in the country.Must Watch
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