“They Operate Like…”: Javed Akhtar Reveals Why Bollywood Stars Are Afraid Of Speaking Up
Javed Akhtar opened up about the silence in Bollywood when it comes to speaking against the establishment, highlighting how the situation stands in stark contrast to the more outspoken nature of Hollywood.
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has weighed in on why Bollywood celebrities often remain tight-lipped when it comes to speaking out against the establishment. In a candid take, he said he empathises with artists in the Hindi film industry who are constantly questioned for their silence. From Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan to Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt — many top stars have faced backlash for not taking a public stand. According to Javed Akhtar, this silence isn’t without reason – it stems from a deep fear of backlash and consequences.
During his appearance on Kapil Sibal's YouTube channel, Javed Akhtar opened up about the matter as he highlighted the difference between Bollywood and Hollywood stars.
“Meryl Streep gave a statement [against the US government], but there was no income tax raid on her. Whether this insecurity is real or not, I don’t want to get into that debate. But the perception exists. If this fear is in one’s heart, then they will worry about the ED, the CBI, an income tax raid... that their files will be opened and they’ll be investigated,” he said.
“They may be in the industry, but they live in the same society. They operate like ordinary people. There’s just more dhoom-dhaam in this profession...I might be one of the few voices speaking up, but I understand why others might not,” he added.
It must be mentioned that Javed Akhtar is someone who never minces his words and he has never been scared of criticising the government or the opposition.
Earlier this year, Javed Akhtar had hit out at his trolls while speaking to news agency PTI. “Yes, absolutely. Even my friends say 'let it be. Why do you want to get into it? You are above all these things'. Forgive me for my immodesty, I mostly feel above these but sometimes you have to come down and tell them that, 'No, you can't take this liberty, and if you will, I'll pay you back in the same coins,” he said.
Recently, Salman Khan had shared a post on X after ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan. "Thank God for the ceasefire," he wrote.
However, he deleted his post soon after as he faced backlash for not reacting to Operation Sindoor. Several fans questioned him for posting about ceasefire but not about the operation that was carried out by the Indian Armed Forces aimed at destroying the terrorist camps in Pakistan.
Earlier, Salman Khan had condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, saying, “Kashmir, heaven on planet earth, turning into hell. Innocent people being targeted, my heart goes out to their families. Ek bhi innocent ko marna puri kainath ko marne ke barabar hai.”
