Javed Akhtar responds to Lucky Ali’s criticism over religious comment: "I’m happy to know that he has opinions"

Lucky Ali and Javed Akhtar controversy

Singer Lucky Ali had criticised veteran Bollywood writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar in October, citing an old video in which the lyricist allegedly made a comment regarding Hindu-Muslim relations.

Following the controversy, the veteran screenwriter and lyricist has now responded to the singer's jab.

In a recent interview with India Today, Javed Akhtar responded to Lucky Ali calling him “ugly”. He said, “Now, I must take Lucky Ali’s opinion with a pinch of salt. I should accept it. Although I don’t agree with it. But anyway, I’m happy to know that he has opinions. That’s wonderful.”

Javed Akhtar added, “Let him decide what he meant and what he wants. If you are tolerant, it’s good. If you are intolerant in certain matters, particularly those which are sensitive, like religious matters, then it’s not good.”

“You have to be a tolerant person. You should… I mean, if you want to have one opinion, and you want your opinion to be heard, then you should be able to take other people’s opinions you may not agree with,” he added.

The controversy sparked after Lucky Ali reacted to a tweet which read, “Javed Akhtar tells Hindus, ‘Don’t become like Muslims. Make them like you. Don’t become like Muslims. It’s a tragedy. West Bengal Urdu Academy was right in withdrawing its invitation to this shameless bigot masquerading as a wise man.’”

The veteran singer reacted to the tweet and wrote, “Don’t become like Javed Akhtar, never original and ugly as f**k.”

However, Lucky Ali later clarified his comments and tweeted, “What I meant was that arrogance is ugly… it was a mistaken communiqué on my part… monsters may have feelings too and I apologise if I hurt anyone’s monstrosity.”

Lucky Ali is yet to respond the Javed Akhtar’s latest comment.