Singer Lucky Ali took to social media on Thursday to issue a clarification over his earlier comments on veteran lyricist-screenwriter, Javed Akhtar. Ali had commented on Akhtar’s old video where he is seen talking about Hindus and Muslims, urging the former to not become like the latter. Reacting to the video, singer-songwriter Lucky Ali slammed Akhtar and called him ‘ugly’, saying that he is ‘never original’.
Now, Ali explained what he meant by his earlier comments. “My intention wasn’t to cast aspersions on his appearance, obviously. Like many online, I saw an edited clip that made it seem like he was trashing my community. I’ve always been honest, vocal, and loyal to my beliefs; this is no different. Always double-check online info … This is my final word on the matter. Peace and love to all,” he wrote on X.
Earlier, Ali commented on a post by a user which referred to the video where Akhtar was talking about freedom of speech and democracy in today’s India. Ali wrote, “Don't become like Javed Akhtar, never original and ugly as f***.”
Later, the singer seemed to indirectly refer to his reply as he wrote, “What I meant was that arrogance is ugly.... it was a mistaken communique' on my part.... monsters may have feelings too and I apologise if I hurt anyones monstrosity.”
In the viral video, Akhtar was talking about a scene from Sholay (1975) where the character of Dharmendra stands behind the idol of lord Shiva and talks to Hema, who thinks it’s the god speaking to her. The veteran screenwriter-lyricist said that he won’t write a scene like that today. “As a matter of fact, I'm on record, I'm not saying it right here. Raju Hirani and I were in Pune in front of a big audience and I said 'Don't become like Muslims. Make them like yourself. You are becoming like Muslims'. It's a tragedy,” he added.
Akhtar has often been subject to online trolls for his strong views on communalism and religious bigotry in India. Last month, a cultural event in Kolkata was postponed after Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind raised objections over Javed Akhtar serving as its chief guest.
