Renowned Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar has criticized filmmakers for relying on old songs and anti-Pakistan themes. He refused to write lyrics for Border 2, calling the trend “creative bankruptcy.” Akhtar urged the industry to focus on original music and new content instead of recycling past successes.
He said Bollywood’s obsession with anti-Pakistan films shows a lack of fresh ideas and creativity. According to Akhtar, filmmakers often reuse past hits rather than producing quality, original work. He stressed that songs from successful older films should remain in the past to maintain artistic standards.
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Akhtar revealed that his refusal to participate in Border 2 was due to its recycled soundtrack. He emphasized that filmmakers should either innovate or admit they cannot match earlier works. His comments come amid growing criticism from Indian artists about Bollywood’s creative stagnation.
Actor Varun Dhawan responded to Akhtar and social media trolls, defending the film’s content. He said, “We made a good film and let the work speak for itself.” Dhawan added that box office numbers matter less than producing quality entertainment for audiences.
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Critics say the trend of remaking old songs and promoting anti-Pakistan narratives may alienate viewers. Akhtar’s remarks highlight a larger debate about originality, creativity, and responsibility in Bollywood cinema. Industry insiders hope his warning encourages more innovation in future projects.