Seculars too have feelings: Javed Akhtar criticises ‘easily offended’ religious groups

Criticising extremist religious groups, noted lyricist Javed Akhtar on Friday stated that even secular and nationalists have feelings. "People often say that a statement has hurt religious sentiment. However, secular and nationalists have feelings," said Akhtar.  

Akhtar along with wife and actress Shabana Azmi attended the session 'My story, Our Story' on the first day of Pune international Literary Festival 2017. In the session, Akhtar and Azmi threw light on their upbringing in secular environment.

Speaking about the upbringing, Akhtar said, "Secularism, social justice, women empowerment all are important values and we grew up learning about these values. These values are part of our DNA and therefore, it pains us when we see these values are being undermined."

Akhtar also stated that concept of the nationalism was part of his integral life. "Today when the national anthem is being played and I see people are walking out, it violates my sensibilities," he added.

Both Azmi and Akhtar spoke about how their parents were part of progressive writers movement and how those social values got imbibed in them. Speaking about their parents, Azmi said, "They wrote to bring social and political change in the society. They always believed that art should be used as an instrument for a social change."

Speaking on the issue of equality in the society, Azmi said, "Men and women are different. There is nothing better or worse in them. You could be a man and do a good feminist work. For that, the artist need not be a woman."