Javed Akhtar calls society to protest against bawdy lyrics

‘Munni Badnam Hui…’, ‘Chikni Chameli…’, ‘Halkat Jawaani…’, ‘Sheila Ki Jaawaani…’, ‘Oo La La….’ ‘Laila teri le legi…’ 

Aggravated at such meaningless and bawdy lyrics eminent script writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar expressed his reservation at the recent ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival 2015. Speaking at the ‘Gaate Jaye Banjara: Film songs- Urdu, Hindu, Hindustani session, Javed Akhtar called upon the society to protest against the onslaught of such stupid lyrics. 

He wondered, “When people protest against something illegal than why they don’t protest against such lewd songs which are perhaps the prime reason behind raising crime against women.

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Expressing concern over the degrading lyrics in movie he recalled, “Songs in the golden era had philosophy of life. Songs like Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisar ...; Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhaata Chala Gaya....; Kasmen Vaade Pyar Wafa Sab Baatein Hain Baaton Ka Kya...; Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhaana ....” had sensibility. 

“Songs had elements of social justice and human values but that has vanished now and it is very sad that no one is thinking of that," lamented Akhtar as he called upon the audience to raise a voice against vulgarity.

Poking satirically on the degradation of lyrics, Javed Akhtar mourned, “Tragically, today lyrics have become more of viewing rather than listening!!! Thus the marketing team is more interested in the lyricist filling the gaps of the rhythm rather than pen some splendid poetry.” 

Javed firmly believes that there no dearth of talent but it is the filmmakers who do not wish to experiment with good and potent poetry. Citing example of the neighboring country, Pakistan, Javed countered that if ghazals and other traditional music formats continued to flourish there than why not India?

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