Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar recently highlighted the distinction between culture and religion in a resurfaced video. Despite being an atheist, Akhtar actively participates in various festivals, including hosting a prominent Holi celebration in the Hindi film industry annually. He expressed that culture holds significance beyond religious boundaries, citing examples of celebrating Eid, Christmas, Holi, and Diwali without religious beliefs.
In the video, Akhtar emphasized the beauty of Indian culture, stating that festivals like Holi and Diwali are integral parts of the country’s cultural heritage rather than being solely religious. He stressed the importance of preserving cultural traditions irrespective of religious affiliations, noting that these festivals originated from cultural practices before being adopted by religions.
Additionally, a glimpse shared by his wife, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, showcased Akhtar engrossed in writing in Urdu in his study using traditional pen and paper methods. Born in 1945 in Gwalior, Akhtar hails from a family with a rich literary background, with his father, Jan Nisar Akhtar, being a renowned songwriter in Hindi films and an Urdu poet.
