{"id":969,"date":"2025-10-11T06:34:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T06:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bharatvoicenews.com\/2025\/10\/11\/javed-akhtar-criticizes-censorship-double-standards\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T06:34:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T06:34:37","slug":"javed-akhtar-criticizes-censorship-double-standards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bharatvoicenews.com\/?p=969","title":{"rendered":"Javed Akhtar Critiques Censorship Double Standards in Cinema"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar<\/strong> has boldly criticized the double standards of film censorship in India. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Anantrang Mental Health Cultural Festival<\/strong> on Friday, he condemned the leniency shown towards vulgar films while meaningful cinema struggles for acceptance.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIn this country, vulgarity will still be passed by the film boards. They don\u2019t realize that these are wrong values \u2014 a male chauvinistic view that humiliates women. But what will not be passed is something that shows the mirror to society,\u201d Akhtar stated emphatically.<\/p>\n

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He highlighted that the audience holds a significant influence over the success and failure of films. \u201cA bad audience makes a bad film successful,\u201d he remarked, asserting that societal choices heavily shape cinematic narratives.<\/p>\n

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Akhtar further elaborated that films merely reflect societal realities. \u201cA film is a window into society through which you peek. Closing the window will not fix what is happening outside,\u201d he pointed out. This perspective aligns with his commitment to portraying authentic stories that resonate with real-life issues.<\/p>\n

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On the subject of hyper-masculinity in cinema and its implications for mental health, Akhtar stressed that society’s acceptance of such portrayals contributes to their proliferation. He stated, \u201cIf men\u2019s mental health improves, such films won\u2019t be made \u2014 and even if they are, they won\u2019t work.\u201d His remarks resonate with a growing concern about the mental well-being of men in contemporary society.<\/p>\n

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Delving into the decline of taste in music and film, Akhtar voiced his disappointment over the rise of vulgar songs. He shared his principles regarding songwriting: \u201cDuring the 80s, many songs had double meanings, but I refused to write them. I\u2019m not sad that people recorded them \u2014 I\u2019m sad that those songs became superhits. That shows it\u2019s the audience that shapes the industry.\u201d This sentiment echoes the larger discourse on the evolving taste of Indian audiences.<\/p>\n

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Referencing the controversial song \u2018Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai\u2019<\/strong>, Akhtar expressed concern over parents taking pride in their daughters dancing to such numbers, reflecting what he termed a decline in societal values. \u201cIf these are the values of society, what can you expect from films and songs? Society is responsible \u2014 cinema is only a manifestation,\u201d he affirmed.<\/p>\n

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Despite his critique, Akhtar acknowledged the recent film \u2018Saiyaara\u2019<\/strong>, directed by Mohit Suri<\/strong>. He praised its music for being \u201crefreshingly calm and soulful.\u201d He described its melodies as possessing an old-world charm, contrasting it with today\u2019s frantic musical compositions that often overpower the vocals.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe music of Saiyaara has a stillness, an old charm. When something soothing comes, it feels like shade in harsh sunlight,\u201d Akhtar noted appreciatively.<\/p>\n

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When asked about the effect of sad songs on emotional well-being, Akhtar offered a philosophical take. He said, \u201cIt\u2019s not good to deny sadness; otherwise, it will resurface elsewhere. This denial of sadness is unhealthy \u2014 accept it, cry if you must. That\u2019s what keeps the mind healthy,\u201d he added, sharing a warm smile.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Javed Akhtar critiques India\u2019s film censorship, highlighting double standards in regulatory approvals and audience responsibility in shaping popular cinema.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":968,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-969","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\nJaved Akhtar Critiques Censorship Double Standards in Cinema - Bharat Voice News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bharatvoicenews.com\/?p=969\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Javed Akhtar Critiques Censorship Double Standards in Cinema - 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