New Delhi:

Amid the ongoing debate on Bollywood’s silence over the escalating tensions between India vs Pakistan, renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar opined on the silence of Bollywood’s biggest stars on the most important political issues.

During a recent interaction on Kapil Sibal’s YouTube channel, Akhtar pointed out that many actors choose not to voice their opinions on pressing political or social matters out of fear of being targeted by government agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or the Income Tax (IT) department.

What did Meryl Streep say?

During the Golden Globes 2017’s acceptance speech, Meryl Streep slammed Donald Trump over the 2015 incident at a South Carolina rally when Trump waved his arms and slurred in his speech, which was an apparent mocking of a New York Times reporter, who has a physical disability. Merlyn then said, “It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter.”

He also opined that the absence of dissent in the film industry stems not from within, but outside of the film industry. He shared that the celebs may be working in the film industry, but they operate in this very society. He further elaborated, “g like other regular people, just that there’s more dhoom dhaam in this profession.”

In recent years, several Bollywood celebrities have reportedly faced severe scrutiny and trolling after taking political stands or expressing dissent.

Akhtar shared that if the perception, the terror is in one’s heart, one would be scared of the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Income Tax raid, adding, “that one’s files would be exposed and one would be investigated.”

Javed Akhtar on why Bollywood’s silence:

To support his point, Javed Akhtar drew a comparison with Hollywood, referring to the famous moment when Meryl Streep publicly criticised Donald Trump during a Golden Globes speech in 2017. “There was no IT raid on Meryl Streep,” Akhtar said, implying that freedom of speech in Hollywood does not come with the same risks that Bollywood stars might face in India.

Akhtar said that even though many celebrities may have strong political views, they hold back due to a climate of anxiety. “Everyone is scared,” he stated. Let’s delve into further details!

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