Renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar shared his apprehensions about the impact of certain successful films on societal perceptions during his address at the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF). Specifically, Akhtar cited the controversial reception of Ranbir Kapoor’s recent film “Animal” and drew parallels to the popular song ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai’ from the 1993 film “Khalnayak.”
Expressing concern over the portrayal of alpha males and toxic masculinity in successful films, Akhtar cautioned against their potential hazards. During the event, he stated, “People began asking me, ‘Sir, what sort of songs are being produced nowadays?'” Akhtar emphasized the impact of the song ‘Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai,’ which, despite being created by a handful of individuals, gained immense popularity, raising alarms about its societal influence.
Akhtar highlighted the crucial role of the audience in shaping content choices and urged viewers to exercise discretion in selecting films. He emphasized the importance of viewer accountability for their choices in consuming cinematic content.
The discussion during the festival echoed sentiments shared by director Subhash Ghai, who previously recalled the controversial reception of ‘Choli Ke Peeche,’ deeming it a tragedy and shock. The song’s release stirred protests and debates regarding its perceived vulgarity, showcasing the complexities of artistic expression and audience reception in Indian cinema.
