Sat Oct 11 07:03:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
Veteran screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar has expressed concern over the Indian film industry’s trend of favoring vulgar and hyper-masculine content while struggling to get films reflecting social realities past regulatory bodies. He believes the audience is largely responsible for the success of such films and that cinema is merely a reflection of society’s values. He lamented the prevalence of vulgar songs and contrasted it with the refreshing quality of a recent film, “Saiyaara.” Akhtar also addressed the importance of acknowledging sadness rather than denying it for mental well-being.
**News Article:**
**Akhtar Decries Vulgarity in Cinema, Blames Societal Values**
**Mumbai, October 11, 2025** – Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has voiced strong concerns about the state of the Indian film industry, criticizing the apparent ease with which vulgar and hyper-masculine content passes regulatory bodies, while films attempting to portray social realities face significant obstacles.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Anantrang mental health cultural festival on Friday, Akhtar argued that a film’s success ultimately rests with the audience. “It is a bad audience that makes a bad film successful,” he stated. He further criticized regulatory bodies for allowing content that promotes harmful values, particularly those that are chauvinistic and insensitive towards women, while rejecting films that hold a mirror to society.
Akhtar emphasized that films are a reflection of societal trends. He expressed disappointment over the proliferation of vulgar songs in cinema, citing the popular track “Choli Ke Piche Kya Hai” as an example of a song embraced even by parents for their children, suggesting a problem with societal values. “So, the society is responsible, cinema is only a manifestation,” he asserted.
Amidst this landscape, Akhtar praised the recent release of “Saiyaara,” directed by Mohit Suri, featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for its soothing melodies and nostalgic charm. He contrasted its calming effect with the frantic, percussion-heavy music that has become prevalent.
Addressing mental health, Akhtar advised against suppressing sadness. “It isn’t good to disown sadness,” he stated. “If you are sad, then you cry, and accept that sadness, denying it will distort your mind.”
Akhtar’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate about the role of cinema in shaping and reflecting societal values and the impact of entertainment on mental well-being.
First Piper 