Javed Akhtar Exclusive | From Being An 'Atheist Muslim' To to Overcoming Struggles | Barkha Dutt

#javedakhtar #barkhadutt #muslim

Barkha Dutt speaks Film Writer - Lyricist - Poet, Javed Akhtar in the 47th episode of our podcast, 'Inside Out'. Javed Akhtar is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist, and poet. Known for his work in Hindi cinema, he has won five National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007, two of India's highest civilian honors. Akhtar gained recognition as part of the duo Salim–Javed, and achieved breakthrough success as a screenwriter with 1973's Zanjeer. He went on to write the films Deewaar and Sholay, both released in 1975. Later, he garnered praise for his work as a lyricist, winning the National Film Award for Best Lyrics five times and the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist eight times. Notably, Akhtar campaigned for the Communist Party of India (CPI) and their candidate in the 2019 Indian general election and served as a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the Richard Dawkins Award in 2020.
Catch him in candid and most heartfelt conversation with Barkha Dutt. From dealing with the critics from both left and right to his identity as an "atheist muslim" , he takes you on a personal journey which reminds him of his young days when he had no food to eat for three days straight. You don't want to miss this conversation.

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[adilfaruqui]

Don’t try to sell your show with click baits or cheap headlines. There is no such thing as Atheist Muslim. A person may be an atheist or a Muslim.

[aliraza-soomro]

Javed Akhtar's candid conversations are always a pleasure to listen to. Whatever topic he discusses, he speaks openly, without hiding his understanding or knowledge. From his religious or non-religious beliefs to his career in the film industry, relationships, failures, and successes—he shares his insights without holding back. His words resonate deeply, and perhaps there’s no other poet in modern India like him, who not only masters the art of Urdu poetry but also engages thoughtfully in discussions on various subjects.

[IMK]

There is nothing like Atheist Muslim, its either Atheist or Muslim.
Unlike Other religion A muslim is muslim by belief and Karma and not by Name and surname

[sahajshetty]

I was a liberal for a major portion of my life, but when i saw the debate between Sam.Harris and Ben Afleck a few years back, i realised that we are all in favour of stopping discrimination against minorities, empowering women and we all believe that dignity is a fundamental right of evey individual, however whenever it comes to implementing the same is muslim majority countries all liberals turn a blind eye.

[JamesBond-xnch]

Listening to Sir Javed at 2 am ..and couldn't sleep without saying words of appreciation to one of the best soul that India has ... respect to you sir ...so much to learn from you everytime...hope god give u more life with abundance good health nad mind ❤

[abdurrakib]

AN ATHEIST CAN'T BE A MUSLIM
A MUSLIM CAN'T BE AN ATHEIST

[Ithinkso-]

I love Javed Akhtar's intellect. I am aure the whole world, knowingly or unknowingly, is intellectually moving towards the same path which Javed Akhtar has taken.

[mohdyasir]

I am an 'Atheist Theist'
I believe and disbelieve in God at the same time 😅
After all, people in the entertainment industry are there to entertain us 😂

[masterteacher]

I love you Javed Akhtar. Live long! You are opening up minds. Keep speaking. I love you and Shabana so much. May Allah swt protect you both eternally and all of your true loved ones along with us. Duas upon duas for your soul. I love you. Sincerely, Madiha

[rakesh.kakkar]

Never knew so much of what you said and how you think Javed Sa’ab! Loved it!

[aliraza-soomro]

I found it unprofessional on the interviewer’s part that when Javed Sahib started talking about his past struggles with hunger and got emotional, it was fine up to that point as it reflected genuine feelings. However, he continued sniffling later in the interview and even asked for a tissue. This could have been edited out; what was the point of keeping it in the interview? Were they trying to increase ratings by showing that they didn’t edit out any parts to keep it "authentic"? They likely edited out many other parts, but here it was unnecessary to keep showing his visible distress repeatedly. It would have been sufficient to hear his story up to the point he shared his emotions. But continuing to show the sniffling, the teary eyes, and then making a big deal out of it felt to me like an unprofessional and unnecessary attempt to boost ratings.

[Nainanayab]

Every religion teaches us the discipline of life and the importance of family structure, guiding us on how to live with certain actions and principles. We must be careful not to hurt the feelings of religious people, as it goes against humanity and can hurt many individuals' pride and beliefs.
I respect all religions and even those who are atheists. It’s essential to give respect and receive respect in return. HUMANITY IS GREAT!

[WorldOfMountains]

When I get some free time, I like watching public intellectuals, especially those who share a similar background, like ex-Muslims who are now atheists. Because of this, YouTube has started suggesting me a lot of videos of Javed Akhtar. I’ve been listening to him for a while now, and every time, I feel amazed by his way of telling stories. I remember watching him on Zee Classic’s program back in the day and being impressed even then.
Javed Akhtar would probably never imagine that someone from a small, remote village in the Karakoram Mountains would become such a big fan of his rational approach. But here I am, in the middle of these towering mountains, never getting tired of listening to him again and again. His thoughts and words are always so powerful, and they leave me thinking every time.

[mohdyasir]

'Atheist Muslim' is oxymoron. It's the belief that makes one a Muslim; you don’t become Muslim by just being born to Muslim parents. Those saying one can be culturally Muslim and be an Atheist by belief need to know that Islam is not a culture. It's a religion with certain necessary beliefs; you reject or leave that belief, and you are automatically out of its fold. Its like saying I am an 'Atheist Theist'. Logical impossibility!!

[ramsundararaman]

Thanks for doing this Barkha! Our young generation and the ones that are going to come would need a reference of history. Lots of love ❤

[ovais]

I also identify as an atheist Muslim. I don’t believe in Islam but i cannot be disassociated with the society completely either.

[bharatpandit]

How can anyone be an atheist and a Muslim at the same time? This is a duplicitous description.

[krishnaniyer]

A truly democratic “live and let live” kind of bold person. The interviewer is a seasoned professional and overall a great conversation.

[mrahats]

Brilliant conversation expressions. Thanks a lot Berkha.Excelent indeed

[newlife]

Oxymoron. Hes just atheist.
There are hindus who are also culturally attached to Urdu and muslim culture.