Javed Akhtar

Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has issued a clarification following the controversy surrounding his recent remarks on alleged communal bias within the Hindi film industry. Addressing the backlash, Rahman stated, 'I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood. But my purpose has always been to uplift, honor and serve through music.' The composer emphasized his pride in being Indian, describing the country as his inspiration and home. He noted that his previous comments regarding fewer opportunities in Bollywood were not intended to cause pain or offend sentiments. Rahman highlighted that India provides a space for freedom of expression and celebrates multicultural voices. The clarification comes after mixed responses from the music industry and social media, with figures like Javed Akhtar weighing in on the situation. Rahman concluded his message by reaffirming his commitment to uplifting India's music industry and ended with the patriotic salute, 'Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.'

As a political war over the Aravalli mountain ranges has intensified, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday accused the Congress of spreading "misinformation" and "lies" on the issue.

In this Special Report, celebrated poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar strongly condemns Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down the hijab of Dr Nusrat Parveen during an appointment letter ceremony in Patna. Calling the act ‘indecent’ and ‘male chauvinistic’, Akhtar demands a public apology from the CM, stating, ‘If there is an iota of decency in Nitish Kumar, which I suspect, he should apologize.’ While reiterating his personal opposition to the practice of hijab and purdah, Akhtar argues that forcibly removing it is a violation of individual dignity. He also comments on BJP Minister Giriraj Singh’s defence of the incident.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down a Muslim woman's niqab and said he should apologise if he has an iota of decency. 

Reflecting on Dharmendra's personality, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar said that he can't think of many people who got so much love from the film industry the way he got.

This special report covers the major controversy over the visit of Taliban leader and Afghan Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to India, featuring a fiery interview with poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar on India Today. Javed Akhtar stated, 'I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception given to the representatives of the world's worst terrorist group, Taliban, by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists'. Akhtar heavily criticised the Indian government for engaging with a regime known for its fanaticism and severe discrimination against women, drawing parallels to India's historic boycott of apartheid in South Africa. He also condemned the Deoband seminary for its warm reception of Muttaqi, arguing it exposed their regressive ideology. The report delves into the diplomatic and moral questions raised by this engagement.

In an exclusive interview with India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar criticised the 'warm reception' accorded to Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to India. He even compared the Taliban to 'Muslim Nazis'.

Urdu poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar was invited as the chief guest for West Bengal’s Urdu Academy celebration.

In this clip from Teen Taal podcast, Javed Akhtar breaks down the theory.

Actor Aamir Khan revealed that lyricist Javed Akhtar was initially sceptical about Lagaan. The actor got candid about the film at India Today Conclave 2025.

On his 80th birthday, we take a look back at an interesting anecdote from Javed Akhtar’s early life. Born in Gwalior, he was originally named “Jaadu” after a magical poem written by his father. A fascinating story where the Communist Manifesto and a poetic legacy came together to shape the legendary poet’s name. Happy Birthday, Javed Akhtar!

Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Urmila Matondkar, and other Bollywood celebrities gathered for a prayer meeting in honour of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

Salman Khan added a twist to Salim-Javed's iconic 'mere paas maa hain' dialogue. The superstar attended the trailer launch of the docu-series, ‘Angry Young Men’, based on the lives of his father, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar.

Sonu Nigam turns 51 today, July 30. It was a gala celebration as celebrities from the music fraternity brought in the singer's 51st birthday. They also celebrated Anup Jalota's birthday who turned 71 just a day ago on July 29. The many celebs who were in attendance include Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, Talat Aziz, Papon, Anu Malik and Salim Merchant.

Actor Farhan Akhtar, his wife Shibani Dandekar, parents Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi were seen in the city with Anusha Dandekar and his rumoured boyfriend, Bhushan Pradhan. They went out for a family dinner.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, noted lyricist Javed Akhtar talked about his stand on the contentious Uniform Civil Code, All India Muslim Personal Law Board's (AIMPLB) stand and much more.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar talks about his remarks on 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in Pakistan, audience's response and what the common people of Pakistan want.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar, who visited Lahore recently, has shamed Pakistan for harbouring terrorists. Javed Akhtar said Indians' anger against Pakistan is justified because 26/11 terrorists continue to roam freely.

Javed Akhtar calls out Pak-sponsored terrorism while attending the Faiz Festival 2023.

Writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was in Lahore recently, said that the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks are still roaming free in Pakistan and it's justified that Indians have complaints against it. Akhtar was attending a festival organised in memory of renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz in Lahore.