Is Javed Akhtar Right About Today's Music Trends in India?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Javed Akhtar shares his insights on the evolving music scene in India, contrasting it with Western trends. He emphasizes India's unique relationship with music and discusses the recent controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's film casting. A thought-provoking exploration of cultural identity and artistic expression in contemporary music.
Key Takeaways
- India has a rich tradition of singing, making it unique compared to the West.
- Music trends among young people reflect a nostalgia for older songs.
- Controversies in the film industry can be complex and rooted in broader cultural issues.
- Understanding and dialogue are crucial in addressing artistic expression amid geopolitical tensions.
- Javed Akhtar's insights provoke thought about the future of music in India.
Mumbai, June 27 (NationPress) Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar shared his thoughts on the growing popularity of Western music in India, even though it hasn't gained much traction in the West. He reflected on the words of the late Lata Mangeshkar, who remarked that music used to be created for singers' respite, whereas now, the music itself seems to be resting.
Akhtar emphasized, "In the West, music is designed for listening purposes. The average person there does not engage in singing. However, India is a nation of singers. The role of music here is distinct. We are producing music that is often unnecessary, leading to a decline in its essence," he elaborated.
He further pointed out, "Children participating in singing competitions often choose songs from four decades ago, rather than contemporary releases."
On the topic of Diljit Dosanjh casting Pakistani actress Hania Amir in his film 'Sardaar Ji 3', Akhtar noted that the criticism is unwarranted as the film was completed prior to escalating tensions between the two nations.
"How could he have predicted this? Pakistan will not suffer financially; it will be our countrymen who do... Legal consequences should not be retrospective. The Censor Board and the government must approach this with understanding, stating it should not recur," he expressed.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, present at the event, remarked, "While I can't comment extensively on the controversy, knowing Diljit, I can assure you that he possesses a deep sense of patriotism. He is truly a son of the soil, as evidenced by his concerts where he proudly displays the Indian flag."
He added that Diljit is genuine and authentic in his expressions.
Point of View
Javed Akhtar's views reflect a significant cultural concern. As Indian music evolves, the challenge remains to balance tradition with modernity. The conversation surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's film illustrates the complexities of artistic expression within the geopolitical landscape. It’s essential to foster understanding and dialogue in these contexts.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Javed Akhtar say about Western music?
Javed Akhtar highlighted that Western music is gaining popularity in India, although it is not as well-received in the West itself.
What was Akhtar's opinion on music trends among children?
He noted that children tend to perform songs from decades ago rather than more recent music, indicating a disconnect with contemporary trends.
How did Akhtar respond to the backlash against Diljit Dosanjh?
Akhtar argued that the criticism was unjustified since the film was completed before the tensions arose between India and Pakistan.
