Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently opened up about why Bollywood often chooses silence over resistance when it comes to political issues. In a conversation on Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel, he revealed that the fear of agencies like the ED and CBI looms large in the industry, making it difficult for artists to express dissent.
Akhtar drew a striking comparison with Hollywood, citing Meryl Streep’s vocal criticism of Donald Trump. “There was no income tax raid on her,” he said pointedly, adding that while the truth of the threat is debatable, the perception of punishment for speaking out is very real in India.
He went on to say that Bollywood stars are often judged harshly for staying quiet, but they are human too, operating within the same societal fears and limitations as everyone else. “They may be in the industry, but they live in the same society,” he explained.
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Known for his unfiltered views, Akhtar acknowledged that he may be one of the few voices speaking openly, but he also understands why others might choose not to. He emphasised that the glamor of Bollywood doesn’t shield its members from institutional intimidation.
Speaking about his interactions with trolls, Akhtar revealed that while he’s advised to ignore them, he sometimes claps back when necessary. “You can’t take this liberty and think I won’t respond,” he said, asserting that staying quiet is not always a sign of maturity, it’s often self-preservation.
In a time where even a tweet can trigger investigations, Javed Akhtar’s words shed light on a chilling truth: in today’s climate, free speech in Bollywood is not just risky, it’s potentially dangerous.