Javed Akhtar on secularism and his early career

Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has an experience of more than five decades in Hindi cinema. He began as a writer along with Salim Khan with the 1971 hit

Andaaz, and the duo penned some of the most formidable films that shaped the trajectory of masala movies. Sholay, Zanjeer, Deewar, Trishul, Mr India were the monikers that came out of their imagination and inventiveness. Akhtar then moved to writing lyrics after the duo split in 1985. And even after more than 50 years, he contributes to the industry.

Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, Javed Akhtar shared his thoughts about secularism and recalled his days as an assistant director and how the position was once disrespected. Talking about secularism first,

Akhtar was quoted saying, "Secularism should be a way of life

because everyone around you is living like this, and then it comes to you automatically. If one day you are given a lecture and you remember points A, B and C after listening to it, that is fake, that is artificial"

He added, "It can hardly last. But if it is your way of life - the way you have seen your elders, the people you respect and admire, living - then it comes within you."

On being an assistant director

"Today things in the film industry are far more streamlined than ever. I remember when I was an assistant director, the position was so disrespected. What was our job? 'Bring madam's shoes quickly.' 'Where is the hero's coat?' That was our life. Today's assistants are on first-name terms with stars. I get scared when I see them. The assistant director is calling the hero by his name - we could never have imagined that," Akhtar revealed.

On AR Rahman's controversial remark

Akhtar told IANS, “I have never felt this way. I meet people here in Mumbai. They have great respect for him. Rahman is such a big man. Even a small producer is afraid to go to him. But I don’t think there is any communal element in this. Why don’t you see him? He will definitely come.”