Javed Akhtar’s Brutally Honest Interview On Religion, Reason and Politics of Language

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Javed Akhtar’s upfront take on religion, atheism, rationale and politicisation of languages with Shoma Chowdhury at Algebra The Arts and Ideas Club on 25 September 2016. Renowned poet, lyricist and screenwriter, Javed Akhtar denounces religion and classifies educated adults following religion as having undergone child abuse. “How can anyone decide what religion a child should follow? It is like marrying your daughter at the age of two.” On Urdu being called a language of Muslims, he says, language has to do with region and not religion. Additionally, he sees excellence in writing as a result of writers’ leftist and/or left of centre positions. Politics and religion, according to him, are intertwined and have created a false two-nation theory. Javed Akhtar is a multiple award-winning poet, lyricist and script writer. He was a part of the Salim-Javed duo who wrote some of the most memorable film scripts in 1970s including Sholey, Deewar, Zanjeer and Mr India. As a lyricist, he is known for popular songs like "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" from 1942: A Love Story, "Ghar Se Nikalte" from Papa Kehte Hai and "Sandese Aate Hai" from Border. He has won five national film awards, six Filmfare awards, Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. He was also selected as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe To "Algebra Club" Channel HERE: https://goo.gl/Y9TB76 For more content from "Algebra Club", click HERE: https://goo.gl/24X5NH Like "Algebra Club" on Facebook HERE: https://goo.gl/B66ZA6 Follow "Algebra Club" on Twitter HERE: https://goo.gl/JWLpTj --- Algebra takes the idea of a club – a universe of the likeminded – and expands it to new paradigms. The key idea behind Algebra is to bring together a fellowship of people who believe great cities are built not just on infrastructure but a life of the mind; who understand robust and liberal societies need the oxygen of great conversation and nuanced thinking. At a time when we are increasingly surrounded by rage and noise, Algebra is that unique live and continuous space where people could go for a genuine exchange of ideas and exposure to issues; where new seeds could be sparked, fresh perspectives formed, and intelligent connections made. Algebra – the Arts and Ideas Club is designed to host over 60 conversations over the year with topline thinkers and practitioners from almost every discipline that impacts human affairs: politics, economy, environment, spirituality, cinema, medicine, science, technology, music, media, literature, the arts, sports, people’s movements, et al. In a line, Algebra is a space where one can meet an exciting, cutting-edge spectrum of people shaping the world in different ways. Where one can test one’s ideas, challenge one’s perspectives, and build friendships. A sort of fellowship of the curious and engaged. Membership to Algebra is by invitation or referral. If you know an Algebra member, ask them to put you in touch with us. For more, click HERE: http://www.algebratheclub.com/membership/