'Never original and ugly': Lucky Ali slams Javed Akhtar over viral remarks on religion

Singer Lucky Ali has sharply criticised veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar after a video of Akhtar making controversial remarks about religion and free speech resurfaced online.

In the viral clip, Akhtar is seen discussing a scene from the 1975 film ‘Sholay’, where Dharmendra’s character speaks to Hema Malini while hiding behind a statue of Lord Shiva.

He reflects on how such a scene might not be possible in today’s socio-political climate.

“Were there no Hindus in 1975? Were there no dharmic people? There were,” Akhtar says, before adding: “Don’t become like Muslims. Make them like yourself. You are becoming like Muslims. It’s a tragedy”.

The context or date of the video remains unclear, but it appears to be from an event where Akhtar was speaking about freedom of speech and democracy in India.

Reacting to the clip, Lucky Ali responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Don’t become like Javed Akhtar — never original and ugly as f***…”

Ali’s reaction triggered fresh debate online, with many netizens taking sides over Akhtar’s choice of words and Ali’s response.

Javed Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, has often drawn criticism from both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalist groups. Last month, a cultural event in Kolkata featuring him as chief guest was postponed after opposition from Muslim organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.

In a previous interview with NDTV, Akhtar said he regularly receives hate from both communities.

“Some call me a jihadi, others say I’m a kaafir who will go to hell. Mumbai Police has offered me protection several times due to threats — mostly from Muslim groups, and once from the other side,” he said.

Lucky Ali himself has been at the center of religious debates. In 2023, he faced backlash after suggesting that the word "Brahman" originated from "Abram." He later apologised, clarifying that he never intended to offend anyone.