MUMBAI: After many stars, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar spoke about the recent allegations of drug abuse and nepotism in Bollywood. The outrage first started after the tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput, and the allegation of drug usage in the industry began from Rhea's statement to NCB, in which she named a few celebs and claimed that many b-town celebs consumed drugs.
During an interaction with a news portal, Javed Akhtar said that drugs are currently malice of the society and not just of the film industry. He went on to add that while he had heard about the usage, he hadn't seen it. "I have heard young people tend to use drugs, but that is not just in the film industry, it is the current malice of society. That should be looked into. And I don't know what is illegal and what is legal."
Akhtar also talked about nepotism in Bollywood. He stated that nepotism is not possible in the industry as it is the audience who buys the ticket to watch the film, and that cannot be rigged. He added, "Inheritance cannot be called nepotism. Maybe somebody born in a film family has a foot in the door, but that's about all." According to him, when you work with each other, you develop a sense of understanding and your communication is perfectly honed.
Meanwhile, Javed Akhtar, like many others, has been spending the lockdown with his family. He recently shared a picture of Farhan and Zoya celebrating Rakhi. He was recently also awarded the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award for his values of secularism and rationalism. He is the first Indian to receive the award and to be recognized by the Center for Inquiry (CFI).