Don't try to pollute film industry with communal bias: Akhtar
What's the story
Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar today warned "bigots" to be wary of communalizing the Indian film industry, which he termed as "the citadel of secularism". The 73-year-old lyricist-writer's comments come after India-based French journalist Francois Gautier had responded to reports of a planned on-screen adaptation of Mahabharat, in which Aamir Khan could possibly play Krishna, highlighting the Bollywood star's religion. Here's more.
Stop hatred
Akhtar asked people to stop hatred in name of religion
Akhtar asked people to stop spreading hatred in the name of faith in cinema field. "I had joined film industry in 1965 on a salary of Rs. 50/month. In these 53 years not for a second, I have experienced or even seen any communal bias in our industry. This film industry is the citadel of secularism. Bigots, don't try to pollute it," he tweeted.
Twitter Post
A look at what Javed Akhtar tweeted
I had joined film industry in 1965 on a salary of 50 rupees per month. In these 53 years not for a second I have experienced or even seen any communal bias in our industry . This Film industry is the citadel of secularism . Bigots , don’t try to pollute it .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 28, 2018
Quote
The tweet of Gautier that compelled Akhtar to reply
Gautier tweeted, "Why should @AamirKhan, a Muslim, play in most ancient & sacred Hindu epics, Mahabharata? Is @BJP4India Govt of @narendramodi going to be like the @INCIndia & just stand by in name of secularism??? Would Muslims allow a Hindu to play life of Mohamed?"
Twitter Post
A tweet by Francois Gautier
Why should @AamirKhan, a Muslim, play in most ancient sacred of Hindu epics, the Mahabharata? Is @BJP4India Govt of @narendramodi going to be like the @INCIndia just stand by in name of secularism??? Would Muslims allow a Hindu to play life of Mohamed?https://t.co/fC7bvbHkZE
— Francois Gautier (@fgautier26) March 21, 2018
Tweet fight
Akhtar slammed Gautier over his tweet
Akhtar earlier slammed Gautier for behaving like a PR machine, calling him "clueless" about Indian history and films. "Can somebody educate this clueless idiot Gautier that a film Mahabharata was made in 1965 and had become a super hit. The producer's name was Ghaffar Bhai Nadiadwala. This is India that we are proud of. Can some body explain it to the dimwit," Akhtar tweeted.
Twitter Post
Have a look at what Javed Akhtar tweeted on Monday
I had joined film industry in 1965 on a salary of 50 rupees per month. In these 53 years not for a second I have experienced or even seen any communal bias in our industry . This Film industry is the citadel of secularism . Bigots , don’t try to pollute it .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 28, 2018