Bollywood's Communal Tensions: A Clash of Perspectives

Mehbooba Mufti criticizes Javed Akhtar for dismissing A R Rahman's concerns about communalism in Bollywood, highlighting contradictions faced by Indian Muslims. In contrast, Akhtar claims there is no communal bias in Rahman's reduced work opportunities. Mufti emphasizes Bollywood's role in reflecting India's social realities.

Controversy is brewing in Bollywood as PDP president Mehbooba Mufti challenges lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar's comments regarding communal biases in the industry. Mufti criticizes Akhtar for dismissing music maestro A R Rahman's concerns about communalisation within Bollywood.

According to Mufti, Akhtar's stance contradicts the lived experiences of Indian Muslims, including those of Akhtar's own wife Shabana Azmi, who has publicly spoken about being denied housing in Bombay due to her religion.

Akhtar, on the other hand, has stated that there is no communal element involved in Rahman's reduced work opportunities. Mufti asserts that Bollywood continues to serve as a reflection of India's complex social realities.

(With inputs from agencies.)