Latest news with #JavedAkhtar
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Javed Akhtar reveals he would pay Rs 10 to attend Osho's sermons in Pune: 'I would go there and write dialogues...'
In the 1970s, Osho, attracted Bollywood stars like Vinod Khanna. Screenwriter Javed Akhtar attended Osho's Pune sermons, paying Rs 10 daily. Akhtar, an atheist, valued Osho's teachings for their lack of rigid ideology. He also mentioned brief encounters with Baba Ramdev and a possible rift with Sadhguru Jaggi, expressing willingness to meet him again. In the 1970s, the spiritual leader Osho, then called Bhagwan Rajneesh, began gaining a big following. Many famous Bollywood stars were attracted to his teachings. Actor Vinod Khanna even gave up his film career and moved to the US to live in Osho's commune. Director Mahesh Bhatt also explored Osho's ideas. Before moving to Oregon, Osho preached at his ashram in Pune, where screenwriter Javed Akhtar used to attend his sermons. Paying Rs 10 Daily to Attend In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Javed Akhtar revealed that he has visited only one ashram in his life. He talked about his time in Pune when Osho, then known as Rajneesh, held morning sermons from 8 to 9:30 am. Javed used to stay at a hotel nearby and would attend the sermons daily, buying a ticket for Rs 10 each time, while working on writing dialogues over about 20-22 days. The ace screenwriter who identifies as an atheist, shared that while he is not a follower of Osho, he appreciated his teachings because Osho did not promote any particular ideology. He described Osho as a learned professor who spoke eloquently on various topics, often changing his views from day to day. Javed also mentioned that he remembers some of Osho's sermons by heart. Brief Encounters with Baba Ramdev Akhtar also mentioned that he has met Baba Ramdev before, briefly greeting him from a distance at the wedding of Hema Malini and Dharmendra's daughter. Meeting Sadhguru and Possible Rift Javed Akhtar also talked about meeting Sadhguru Jaggi twice but hasn't met him since. He heard that Sadhguru might avoid events if Javed is invited, though he isn't sure if it's true. Javed said he has no problem and would be happy to meet him again. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shabana Azmi was denied a flat because of her faith, Javed Akhtar reflects on bitterness of Partition: ‘Apne girebaan mein jhaanko'
In a candid conversation with The Lallantop, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recounted an incident from about 20–25 years ago, when his wife, actor Shabana Azmi, was denied the opportunity to purchase a flat simply because of her religion. He narrated the entire incident: 'This happened about 20–25 years ago. Shabana wanted to buy a flat as an investment in a building, and they refused. The broker clearly told us they wouldn't sell a flat to a Muslim.' Javed then reflected on the deeper reasons why such discrimination is so common: 'Who were these people? They were the ones whose parents lived in Sindh, who were expelled from Sindh, taking away their land, property, social respect, profession, everything. They were forced out and made to come here like refugees. These very Sindhis sold clothes and chhole on the streets, and through their hard work built their position. But the bitterness of what happened to them is still inside them. And that bitterness gets taken out on us. So who is responsible? You are, you who expelled them. And now you tell me they didn't give me a house? They didn't give it because you drove them from their own house. People have no idea what the real problem is.' Also Read | Javed Akhtar on Bollywood's silence over Operation Sindoor: 'Kuch log abhi abhi paisa aur naam kamane mein lage hain…' He continued: 'I ask myself, I live in Bombay, a non-Maharashtrian who came here at 19. I worked hard, made a name for myself, I got a house. But if tomorrow someone told me to leave everything in 24 hours, carrying all my belongings in a bundle, I ask, where would I go? Anywhere! If I had to leave my house, my reputation, my money, my status, my friends behind, and see my companions killed on the way, and finally be put in a tent and handed a plate, how would I feel? Toh yeh aadmi jisne tumko ghar nahi diya, usse blame kar rahi ho? Apne girebaan mein jhaanko (And now you blame the man who didn't give you a house? Look into your own conscience)' He shared this story in response to Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari's claim that 'no one in Mumbai rents homes to Muslims.' Before narrating the incident, Akhtar laughed and sarcastically said, 'Yes, of course! Shabana and I are sleeping on the streets now.' He strongly questioned who had the authority to silence him: 'Who is she to tell me when to talk and when not to? She said Naseeruddin Shah stays quiet, so I should too. But who is she to decide when I should speak? Who gave her that right?' He acknowledged the internal issues within India but refused to stay silent when criticism comes from outside: 'Yes, we Indians do have our internal issues. But when someone from outside points fingers, I am first and foremost an Indian. I won't stay silent.'
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Are Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi sleeping on Mumbai's streets? Veteran lyricist reacts to Pakistani star Bushra Ansari's claims
Agencies Javed Akhtar's Sharp Response to Bushra Ansari's Remarks: A Clash Beyond Borders Several weeks after Pakistani artist Bushra Ansari criticized Indian lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, the latter offered a firm and thought-provoking response. During a recent conversation with Lallantop, Javed Akhtar addressed Bushra's public statement where she ridiculed him, suggesting that no one in Mumbai would even rent him a home. In his reply, Akhtar questioned her authority to comment on when he should speak or remain silent, making it clear he would not be dictated by external voices. In the interview, Akhtar mentioned that Bushra Ansari had, on previous occasions, spoken about him and even advised him to stay quiet, comparing him to actor Naseeruddin Shah. Responding assertively, Akhtar emphasized that no outsider had the right to decide how or when he should express his opinions. He firmly rejected the notion of taking advice from someone who did not understand his perspective or circumstances. Akhtar also stressed a deeper national sentiment, noting that while India may have its own internal differences, he stood united with his country when confronted by outside commentary. He questioned why people like Ansari forget this crucial point. He reiterated that despite ideological differences within the country, he remains, at his core, an Indian—and will not be silenced by opinions from across the informed about Ansari's claim that he couldn't find a rental home in Mumbai, Akhtar responded with dry humor. He sarcastically said that he and his wife, actress Shabana Azmi, had apparently been living on the streets, highlighting the absurdity of the comment with went on to provide context for this claim. Recalling a 25-year-old incident, Akhtar explained how Shabana once tried to purchase a flat as an investment, but the seller refused to deal with a Muslim buyer. The seller's decision, however, was not rooted in religious bias but in personal trauma—his family had once lived in Sindh and were forced to flee during partition. The owner's deep emotional scars led him to displace his resentment in this way. Akhtar made it clear that such events shouldn't be exploited by others to make unwarranted controversy began when a terrorist group attacked and killed 26 tourists in the scenic Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam on April 22. In the wake of this tragedy, Javed Akhtar delivered a stirring speech at the Gauravshaali Maharashtra Mahotsav, urging people not to forget the gravity of the incident. In response, Bushra Ansari criticized him online, calling him a 'so-called writer' and mocking his housing situation in Mumbai, urging him to remain silent like other public Ansari is a celebrated figure in Pakistan's entertainment industry, known for her versatility as an actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She began her artistic journey in the 1960s as a child performer, gradually building a multifaceted career that spans decades in both Punjabi and Urdu-language media. Her contributions to television, stage, and music have earned her widespread acclaim and multiple accolades, most notably the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance Award in 1989—one of the country's highest civilian honors in the arts. Her early rise to fame came in 1984 when she captivated audiences with her role as Jehan Ara Begum, a bold and outspoken housewife, in the iconic television drama Aangan Terha aired on Pakistan Television (PTV). The character's wit and commanding presence made a lasting impression and firmly established Ansari as a household name. Although her first formal dramatic role arrived later in 1997 with the TV series Rishtay Aur Raastay , Bushra had already become a regular face on television through a string of successful shows. Over the years, she graced many of PTV's most popular programs, including Show Time , Show Sha , Rang Tarang , and Emergency Ward . Her talent for comedy shone especially brightly in the sketch series Fifty Fifty , a classic satire show that remains one of Pakistan's most beloved TV productions. Known for her dynamic screen presence and ability to effortlessly shift between humor and drama, Bushra Ansari has played an influential role in shaping the landscape of South Asian entertainment.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Javed Akhtar reacts to Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor: 'If they're not speaking...'
Javed Akhtar recently reacted to Bollywood's silence on Operation Sindoor, the Indian government's counter-terror attack in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which took place in Jammu and Kashmir. The legendary personality spoke candidly and shared his thoughts on the same. '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,' he said while talking to The Lallantop. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reflecting on his early days in the industry, Akhtar elaborated, '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. 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.' The veteran lyricist and writer shared that a popular businessman recently confronted him on the same topic. 'Aapke Bollywood waale jo hain, nationalist films toh bohot banate hain… par iss maamle par sab chup hain,' the businessman reportedly said. Giving his witty reply, Akhtar said, '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?'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Javed Akhtar reacts to Bollywood's silence on 'Operation Sindoor': 'Some people want to earn more money or fame. Let them'
Recently when India launched ' Operation Sindoor ' against Pakistan, very few celebs reacted to it. Javed Akhtar who had spoken about it has now reflected on why Bollywood was silent over it. The legendary screenwriter is always known to express his views boldly across social media or during his interviews. Speaking about why he opened up on it, Akhtar said in a chat with Lallantop, "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." He added, "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. 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.' The writer also shared an incident wherein he was asked by a business about Bollywood being silent. He recalled this businessman asking him, "Aapke Bollywood waale jo hain, nationalist films toh bohot banate hain… par iss maamle par sab chup hain." He reacted to him and said, "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?' He then 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. ' Meanwhile, in this interview, Akhtar also gave a befitting reply to Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari who had said that he should also remain silent like Naseeruddin Shah . Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
