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Javed Akhtar: Secularism is Lived, Not Taught
16 Jan
Summary
- Secular values stem from upbringing, not formal lessons.
- Films reflect society's changing moralities and aspirations.
- Akhtar opened the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026.

At the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, lyricist Javed Akhtar stated that secular values are cultivated through life experiences and upbringing, not classroom teaching. He believes that true secularism becomes an intrinsic part of a person's being from a young age.
Akhtar explained that cinema is intrinsically linked to society and acts as a reflection of its current state. He traced the transformation of the typical Hindi film hero, illustrating how these characters have evolved to mirror societal shifts.
During his session, 'Javed Akhtar: Points of View,' he also humorously responded to a question about no longer wearing glasses. The event marked the opening day of the literary festival.




