Javed Akhtar: Urdu's Richness & Rationalism

At the Jaipur Literature Festival, Javed Akhtar offered profound insights into language, society, and cinema. He lauded Urdu as a language born from India's diverse cultural interactions. Akhtar recounted how his mother's early storytelling and love for words profoundly influenced his path as a writer.

Rejecting the notion of intimidation by family talent, Akhtar advised appreciating superior talent over unhealthy competition. He discussed how secularism is absorbed through upbringing, not learned as a mere lesson. His transition to lifelong rationalism began when his grandmother stopped imposing religion on him.

Akhtar traced Bollywood's evolution, noting how film protagonists reflect societal moral aspirations and economic shifts. He argued that declining lyricism in songs stems from a societal disconnect with literature and poetry. He also commented that few in the industry truly challenge power structures.

Encouraging young writers, Akhtar stressed relentless reading as crucial input for output. He linked rising on-screen violence to societal anger and cautioned against communal stereotyping. He also clarified Urdu's relatively young linguistic history compared to ancient languages like Sanskrit and Tamil. His concluding advice for youth emphasized self-improvement over comparison.