Javed Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar came together for the latest session of Expresso on Thursday in Mumbai. The father-daughter duo discussed art, poetry, politics, and career among other things. During the conversation, Javed was asked about his gentle style of writing compared to other progressive writers for both films and poetry. The veteran lyricist stated today’s generation doesn’t like preaching.
Explaining his style of writing, Javed said, “As far as film songs are concerned, they are a part of a narrative. If the film’s title is Zinda Jala Dunga, I don’t think I can write Woh Subah Kabhi Toh Aayegi. It is the film that provides the opportunity where you can write this kind of stuff.”
Talking about his style of poetry, the lyricist said, “As far as my poetry is concerned, I believe that I have used in songs too. Don’t ever try to measure an emotion. Let it be the tip of the iceberg. Just give a hint and leave it to the imagination of the listener or reader because whatever word you use, however, you describe an emotion, it cannot be bigger than the imagination of the reader or listener.”
He further stated, “If you give all on the platter, it will not be as big as if you just give a hint and leave it there and ask the reader and the listener to participate in it, complete it through their imagination and experiences. Today’s generation doesn’t like preaching. Leave it to them and they will complete it.”
Also Read | Javed Akhtar discusses origins of art and how it isn’t created by the wealthy: ‘If we see a poet having two meals, we think he isn’t good’
The latest session of Expresso was moderated by Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group and Head of New Media at The Indian Express along with Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Columnist and Contributing Editor at the Indian Express.
Expresso is a six-part series of conversations with experts from the world of entertainment, luxury, art and culture. It kickstarted with in April with Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi being its first guests, followed by the second edition in July, which featured actress Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.
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