Criticising PM’S policies now perceived as anti-national: Akhtar

‘RELIGION SHOULD BE CONFINED TO MUSEUMS’

Writerandlyricistjavedakhtar onsaturdayhintedatgrowingintolerance in society, saying criticism of the Prime Minister’s policies could invite the tag of “anti-national”.

“In the past, humour against a Prime Minister was passable. But today, if you criticise the PM’S policies, it would be deemed as anti-national,” he said.

Attending the Loksatta Gappa (interaction) on Saturday, Akhtar held a freewheeling discussion on wide-ranging subjects — from society to politics and religion. Actor and poet Kishore Kadam moderated the session.

“Faith and belief are two different things. What can be substantiated is belief. Whereas, it is difficult to prove or establish the matters of faith. The premises of religion is founded on faith, which cannot be ascertained or substantiated. And it is a matter of an individual’s faith. Therefore, we must have religion. But it should be confined to a museum,” said Akhtar.

Known for his progressive outlook in public life and his work in Bollywood, where he has spent more than 50 years, the first question to Javed Akhtar was: should there be religion?

Gazing at the audience, Akhtar said, “Religion should be there definitely. But it should be in the museum.”

He said, “Atrocities against women are often defined as ‘family honour’. When nations engage in war for oil, we describe it as ‘war on terror’. We undermine the pains of privatisation by calling it liberalisation. Similarly, religion often plays a significant role in covering up many intolerant aspects of society.”

Responding to a question on whether there has been a rise in intolerance in Indian society, he said, “It is not as if everything has gone wrong now or everything is getting right now,” he said.

“But today, if we were to enact the episode of Mahabharata as shown in the film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, it would lead to protest.”

“In the past, humour against a Prime Minister was passable. But now if we criticise the policies of the present Prime Minister, it would be perceived as anti-national,” he said.

Reflecting on the changes in society and politics, he also expressed his views on the Uniform Civil Code Bollywood item songs.

Akhtar left the audience in splits with his wit and humour.

The Loksatta Gappa is organised by Marathi daily Loksatta, which is part of The Indian Express Group. The session was held in association with “Kesari” and in partnership with Zee Chovis (24) Taas.

Actor, directors and producers from the Marathi and Hindi film industry attended the function. and

Prashant Nadkar Javed Akhtar on Saturday.