Javed Akhtar explains why many in Bollywood choose silence over political activism

Javed Akhtar challenges the label 'Bollywood' as anti-national and defends the industry's global stature while reflecting on why many artists prioritize career goals over political engagement, highlighting the complex balance between fame, risk, and activism.

Sources:
Times of India
Updated 21m ago
Tab background
Sources: Times of India
Javed Akhtar has openly criticized the term 'Bollywood,' calling it an "anti-national name" and highlighting the Indian film industry's vast global influence, with films released in 136-137 countries, rivaling Hollywood and overshadowing European cinema.

Responding to criticism of Bollywood's political silence, Akhtar explained that many actors and filmmakers prioritize their careers and personal goals over activism. Reflecting on his own experience, he said, "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."

He emphasized that silence should not be judged harshly, stating, "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."

Akhtar's remarks shed light on the complex relationship between Bollywood personalities and political activism, suggesting that the industry's silence is often a result of individual choices rather than apathy or fear. His critique of the term 'Bollywood' also calls for greater recognition of the Indian film industry's global stature.

"In the world, if there’s any industry that can compete with Hollywood, it’s the Indian film industry," he asserted, challenging the dismissive use of the term 'Bollywood.'

These insights provide a nuanced understanding of why many in Bollywood may choose silence over political engagement, balancing fame, career, and personal priorities.
Sources: Times of India
Javed Akhtar criticized the term 'Bollywood' as anti-national and explained that many in the Indian film industry choose silence over political activism due to personal priorities like career and fame. He emphasized that not everyone needs to speak out politically, reflecting diverse individual goals.
Section 1 background
First of all, the term ‘Bollywood’ itself is an anti-national name. You call the ‘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?
Javed Akhtar
Times of India
Key Facts
  • Javed Akhtar criticized the term 'Bollywood' as anti-national and highlighted that the Indian film industry competes with Hollywood and has nearly wiped out European cinema, with films released in 136–137 countries on average.Times of India
  • Akhtar responded to criticism from a businessman by questioning why some remain silent on unfavorable government policies, emphasizing the risks involved in speaking out.Times of India
  • Reflecting on his own past, Akhtar said that despite coming from a politically conscious family, he was unaware of politics when his films were successful, showing that many focus on their work and personal goals rather than political activism.Times of India
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of countries Indian films are released in on average
136-137 countries
Times of India
Article not found
⌂ CuriousCats.ai

Article

‹

Source Citations