Aamir and Javed Akhtar attack each other publicly!

In an open forum, which was organized to sort out differences between film writers and film makers, things went out of hand when representatives of the two fraternities – lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar and actor Aamir Khan, got engaged in a verbal duel of sorts. When Aamir took side of filmmakers, Akhtar couldn’t control his temper.

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: In an open forum, which was organized to sort out differences between film writers and film makers, things went out of hand when representatives of the two fraternities – lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar and actor Aamir Khan, got engaged in a verbal duel of sorts. The debate was based on the foremost contributing factor for overall success of a film. When Aamir took side of filmmakers, completely overlooking the contribution of writers in the success of a film, Javed Akhtar couldn’t control his temper. Starting on a rather rough note, the situation got even worse, when Aamir commented that the lyrics of a song never really contribute much to the impact of the song. This was just too much for the legendary poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar to handle and he retorted fumingly to the comments blurted by the actor. According to an eyewitness, “Aamir made it clear that he felt a song becomes a hit because it is picturised on a big star. To this Javed saab asked him, ‘Your first big song was Papa kehte hain. Did it make you a star or did you make that a song run’?” However, Aamir stood by his beliefs. The witness further added, “When Aamir again insisted that it’s the star who makes a bigger contribution to a song becoming a hit, Javed retorted, ‘Your so-called contribution is nothing but interference. We lyricists would be eternally grateful if you keep your so-called contribution to yourself. We manage to do good work not because of, but in spite of your contribution’.” Needless to say, Aamir was growing hot under the collar at this direct confrontation. “But when Aamir went a step further to claim that in any film, a writer contributes more than a song-writer to the film, it was the last straw for Javed. He said, ‘Good for Chetan Bhagat’.” An altercation between these stalwarts could hardly be suppressed for long. It spread like wildfire in the industry. On contacting, Javed Akhtar said, “I wouldn’t like to comment on what happened between me and Aamir. But this is not just a matter about lyricists, but all writers. Certain royalties have to be paid to writers, which in our film industry, aren’t paid properly. We writers are almost like bonded labourers. There is no room for us to profit in any way. But the government is making suitable amendments in the favour of writers and musicians. This amendment will benefit everyone, including classical musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, who has spoken up in favour of the amendment.” On being asked about his reaction towards Aamir Khan in this whole brouhaha, Javed Akhtar said, “Why just Aamir? They were all against it. The producers and music companies were till now forcing us to write off all rights. The Cabinet has now sanctioned the change, but producers, led by certain stars, are trying to stall it. We aren’t living in a feudal age - we have our rights. And producers have to understand this. All the lyricists, writers and musicians have joined hands to fight this issue together. I am not alone.”