Mumbai: Veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, known for his straightforward and blunt nature, recently revealed why celebrities don’t speak up against the government.
Asked during his appearance on Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel why celebs don’t take a stand against the establishment, the veteran said they fear ED and CBI raids at their homes.
Pointing out the difference between Hollywood and Bollywood, Javed said that the actors in the West are more vocal about their views against the government and even their President, Donald Trump.
“Meryl Streep gave a statement (against the US government), but there was no income tax raid on her. Whether this insecurity is real or not, I don’t want to get into that debate. But the perception exists. If this fear is in one’s heart, then they will worry about the ED, the CBI, an income tax raid… that their files will be opened and they’ll be investigated,” he said.
Talking about the fear that prevails in Bollywood, Javed added, “They may be in the industry, but they live in the same society. They operate like ordinary people. There’s just more dhoom-dhaam in this profession…I might be one of the few voices speaking up, but I understand why others might not.”
The veteran also never shies away from clapping back at trolls, even though his family members and friends advise him against it.
Talking about online haters, Javed told PTI earlier this year, “Yes, absolutely. Even my friends say ‘let it be. Why do you want to get into it? You are above all these things.”
However, Javed believes that sometimes one has to warn these haters.
“No, you can’t take this liberty, and if you will, I’ll pay you back in the same coins,” he added.
