Renowned lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar stated that he has to write Hindi dialogues in the Roman script for many of the new generation actors in the film industry because "they can't read anything else." He made this observation during a session titled 'Hindi & Urdu: Siamese Twins' at the India International Centre. Akhtar mentioned that the film industry often uses Roman script for Hindi dialogues, especially for new actors, as they find it easier to read.
Akhtar also emphasized the historical connection between Hindi and Urdu, stating that they were one language that separated about 200 years ago. He highlighted that language is regional and not tied to religion. Akhtar suggested the need for a dictionary of Hindustani words, combining both Hindi and Urdu terms to enrich the vocabulary.
The session covered various aspects of language, culture, values, and aesthetics, with Akhtar asserting the dynamic nature of these elements. He shared insights into his approach to writing, emphasizing that he writes for Hindustanis and not for specific linguistic or cultural groups. Akhtar used the analogy of peeling an onion to explain how languages evolve by incorporating words from different sources, becoming richer over time.
The discussion also touched on ghazals, with Akhtar praising Raghupati Sahay 'Firaaq' as one of the greatest poets in the genre after Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib. Additionally, Akhtar commented on the incorrect recitation of poetry by political leaders and criticized a circular issued by Delhi Police that aimed to simplify Urdu/Persian words for police personnel.
Overall, the session provided insights into language dynamics, cultural richness, and Akhtar's perspective on writing for the film industry.
(With Agency Inputs)
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