Overview
- In an India Today interview, Akhtar said he is happy Lucky Ali has opinions and will take the remark with a pinch of salt.
- He emphasized that intolerance on sensitive religious matters is harmful and that differing views should be accepted.
- After calling Akhtar “never original” and “ugly” on X, Lucky Ali posted a clarification, expressed regret over his reaction, and said he would apologize if given the chance.
- The exchange followed the recirculation of an India Film Project video where Akhtar discussed Hindu–Muslim dynamics and referenced a Sholay scene.
- Akhtar’s remarks came while he was in Delhi for a songwriting session organized by IPRS with MusiConnect India and support from the Ministry of Culture.