Javed Akhtar on confronting social media trolls and film legacy

As someone who often schools faceless people on social media for their communal and hateful remarks, veteran screenwriter-poet Javed Akhtar says trolls should know they can also be subjected to the same treatment when the need arises.

Whether it's supporting Indian cricketer Mohd Shami during the recent 'roza' row, getting back at trolls who targeted him for praising Virat Kohli or condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in strong words, the lyricist is known for openly voicing his opinions on X.

Asked whether his family asks him to steer clear of social media trolls, Akhtar told PTI, "Yes, absolutely. Even my friends say 'let it be. Why do you want to get into it? You are above all these things. Forgive me for my immodesty; I mostly feel above these trolls, but sometimes you have to come down and tell them that, 'No, you can't take this liberty, and if you do, I'll pay you back in the same coin." The 80-year-old writer, who also serves as the chairperson of the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), was speaking on the sidelines of the "IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP" conference organized by FICCI on Tuesday here.

Akhtar, who took over the IPRS in 2017, said the copyright body needs government support so that artists receive their fair share of public performance royalty.

"If there are a few lakh people who are not paying us public performance royalty, we can't have a few lakh cases in courts, it is not possible. It is only the government that can put pressure by making some kind of a rule or a sub-rule to make it mandatory to pay.

"Whenever I have contacted any political party or ministry, they have been extremely sympathetic about the cause. They have respect for Indian artists; they have often gone out of their way to help us. I have no such problems. What we have to do now is to go again (to the authorities) and tell them what is wrong. You have made a fantastic law, but it is not working on the ground," he said.

"Sholay" and "Deewar", which he co-wrote with Salim Khan, are celebrating their 50th release anniversary. Asked what was the reason behind the enduring relevance of these films, the writer said it's impossible to predict how a movie is going to connect with people while writing it.

"Kuch achhe kaam hote hain jo reh jaate hain public memory mein (there are a few good works that remain etched in public memory). And the films you're talking about they have somehow (have stayed in public memory)... Why, I don't know. If I knew, I would've done it again and again. They have become a part of the Indian psyche, culture, and common language.

"Dialogues of a 50-year-old film are being referenced in stand-up comedy, other films, and even in political speeches till today. How and why has it happened? I mean, what is charisma? There is no definition of charisma. It happens, and then you try to reason it out, find some rationale or logic in it. But I think it is beyond it," he added.