Javed Akhtar on Bollywood’s silence over Operation Sindoor: ‘Kuch log abhi abhi paisa aur naam kamane mein lage hain…’ |

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Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, known for speaking his mind on a wide range of national issues, recently addressed the perceived silence of Bollywood celebrities following Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror operation launched by the Indian government in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with The Lallantop, Javed was asked why several prominent actors and filmmakers have refrained from commenting on the operation or acknowledging the government’s efforts publicly. Javed, who has himself often praised the government’s strong stance against terrorism, offered a candid explanation.

“I spoke about it, I didn’t stay silent. Sometimes people may not like what I say, sometimes they do. But I say what I believe is the truth. Now who doesn’t speak. How would I know? many people are apolitical too,” he said.

He elaborated further, reflecting on his early days in the industry: “Look, when I was young, even though I came from a politically conscious and very vocal family… But 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. So that happens. 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.”

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Javed then shared a recent incident involving a well-known businessman who confronted him about this very topic. “Aapke Bollywood waale jo hain, nationalist films toh bohot banate hain… par iss maamle par sab chup hain,” the businessman reportedly said. Javed, known for his sharp wit, responded: “First of all, the term ‘Bollywood’ itself is an anti-national name. You call the Indian film industry ‘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 called out the hypocrisy of expecting artists to always take a stand, while others shy away from doing so themselves. “And if you like to say that a person should speak on every issue… then stand up and tell me, in the past 15 years, you’re a businessman, have you ever spoken out against a government policy, taxation, or a rule you didn’t like? Then why are you saying others don’t speak? Do you? The moment you feel even a little afraid, you go silent. One should only expect others to speak when they themselves do. It’s easy to speak when it’s convenient… try speaking when there’s risk involved.”

Previously, in a chat with Kapil Sibal, Javed highlighted why it is possible for Hollywood celebrities to criticise their government. “Meryl Streep gave a statement (against the US government), but there was no income tax raid on her. Whether this insecurity is really there or not, I don’t want to get into the debate. But this is indeed the perception. If this perception, this terror is in one’s heart, one would be scared of the ED (Enforcement Directorate), the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), an Income Tax raid, that one’s files would be exposed and one would be investigated,” he said.

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