Lucky Ali Responds to Javed Akhtar’s Controversial Remarks About Religious Identity.

Renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has become the subject of intense online debate after a video from a public discussion resurfaced on social media. In the clip, Akhtar makes comments about religious identity that have sparked widespread controversy, prompting a strong reaction from singer-songwriter Lucky Ali.

The Controversial Statement

During a talk in Pune with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, Akhtar was discussing how cultural sensitivities have evolved since the making of the 1975 classic film Sholay. He reflected on a scene featuring Hema Malini’s character Basanti praying to Lord Shiva, questioning whether such creative choices would be possible in today’s climate of heightened religious sensitivities.

In his remarks to the audience, Akhtar reportedly stated: “Don’t become like Muslims. Make them like yourself. You are becoming like Muslims.” The comment was made in the context of discussing increasing religious conservatism, but the phrasing immediately triggered backlash across social platforms.

Lucky Ali’s Reaction

The controversy escalated when musician Lucky Ali responded publicly on X (formerly Twitter) with an unfiltered critique of Akhtar. His post read: “Don’t become like Javed Akhtar, never original and ugly as f***.”

The blunt response quickly gained traction online, dividing opinion among users. Some applauded Ali for directly challenging what they perceived as problematic language, while others criticized his aggressive tone as counterproductive to meaningful dialogue.

Akhtar’s Response

Addressing the mounting criticism, Javed Akhtar maintained that he is accustomed to controversy surrounding his outspoken views. The veteran writer noted his long history of facing backlash for his opinions, mentioning that he has required police protection in the past and has endured personal attacks for years due to his public commentary.

Wider Implications

The exchange between Lucky Ali and Javed Akhtar has reignited discussions about several sensitive issues: the boundaries of free expression, the nature of religious discourse in public forums, and the responsibilities of public figures when addressing matters of faith and identity. As both personalities continue trending across social media, the incident serves as yet another example of how conversations about religion remain deeply contentious within India’s contemporary cultural discourse.