I'm in Favour of a Uniform Civil Code But What I Really Want is Total Gender Equality: Javed Akhtar

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The well-known poet, lyricist and scriptwriter, who in the 1970s created Amitabh Bachchan’s angry young man character, Javed Akhtar, has categorically stated that he believes a Uniform Civil Code is desirable and necessary but added that for him, personally, the most important thing is to ensure complete and comprehensive gender equality, without any discrimination whatsoever for either the girl child or the adult woman. Mr. Akhtar also said India cannot delay giving itself a Uniform Civil Code on the grounds the time is not right. He said it will never be right because there will always be people opposed to it. Whilst every effort must be made to carry everyone along and to convince them, we cannot give a veto to extremists of any community.
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[@amb9271]

Listening to Javed Akhtar is a delight! What a great discussion❤😊

[@pankaj23oct]

How good it is to hear an intellectual like Javed Akhtar explaining a complex phobia in a simple terms with data points which can be understood easily by common people.

[@EnchantedEdits_V]

ONE OF THE BEST INTERVIEWS IN RECENT TIMES. THIS IS HOW INDIA SHOULD THINK AS A COUNTRY!

[@tommyatkins3673]

DONT GIVE ENGLISH LECTURE

[@Ind_u.]

​@@tommyatkins3673nobody's giving you lecture... if you dont wanna see then don't come and comment here.

[@JthElement]

@@tommyatkins3673 Kisne bola tujhe lecture sunne ke-liye? Get lost.

[@simpler3000]

​@@tommyatkins3673bhag yaha se

[@r.viswanathan2188]

Javed Akhtar Saheb, you have taught Karan Thapar a lesson which he was lacking with respect to UCC. He was trying to put word in your mouth but you made him fall in line with you with your excellent and lucid details. Thank you so much, Javed Akhtar.

[@SheshankReddyS]

You misunderstand Karan. His role is to provoke and push, to find hard questions not to find common ground. Karan isn't portraying his personal views, he is only presenting the primary contrary views to the UCC.

[@ssengupta943]

Exactly. KT is a true journalist who contradicts, interrupts, presents facts to bring out the true story. One needs some journalistic iq to understand Karan.

[@vikramtalreja9]

It's the other way around. Tribal issues and their customs will be the real complexity with UCC

[@pratimanaikkudaskar6492]

@@SheshankReddyS The Wire is anti-bjp, another one in the Wire is Arfa khanum .....

[@kalpanadeuskar7032]

Finally , a guest who Karan Thapar could not bully . Normally Karan makes them say what he wants .

[@shankarnadkarni7155]

Absolutely tr0ue

[@urmila16]

BRILLIANT. Javed Akhtar. Thank you Karan for always giving us these brilliant thoughtful interviews.

[@rizujamm4965]

The beauty of Javed Akhtar Sahab is he's an ATHEIST. He's a non-religious practitioner. Critics aside, Javed Sahab is progressive academic, he brings so much serious audacity with his observations It'll be interesting to see if THE WIRE furthers this discussion with Religious people from different faiths after this

[@amankhanna6471]

Agenda wala Atheist. Didn't say a word when: 1. Palestine was recognised but not israel. India is a secular country and not Islamic country where muslims will decide whom to choose. 2. Shah Bano case 3. When asi found first evidence in 90's that there was indeed evidence of idols at Ram janambhoomi, he knew about it but leftists/liberals wanted to play politics kept muslims in dark. U can refer kk Mohammad speech. Romila thapad is a biased historian. An rti revels she doesn't even know Sanskrit 😂and has no knowledge about archeology. 5. He knows very well that congress uses maulvis for votes. Yet keeps mum. Basically congress has to prove that Muslims r oppressed in order to get muslim votes. It's better muslims should vote for owaisi. Atleast he cares about muslims and isn't a dogla like congress. Big talks about reformation of muslim community by nasaruddin shah, Javed akhtar types with no roadmap.

[@knightspygaming1287]

@@amankhanna6471 he criticizes congress on pseudo secularism and many things.

[@AnirimaGhosh]

It’s a delight to listen to Javed Akhtar ji. Knowledgeable, elegant in arguments.. shows the kind of person he is..❤❤❤❤❤

[@shyambiswakarma3121]

I just don't understand why majority of people can't think like Javed Sahab. He is always clear about his views to any topic. He is really a great thinker.

[@nadeemakhtar5544]

Everyone thinks like jawed akhtar sab. I always think rational logical and scientific. But I have been socialized in a religious environment, even if i want to change my mind set I cannot.

[@AnshumanKumar007]

@@nadeemakhtar5544 Well you are rare. I have come to soften my position on many issues like the LGBTQ, reservation etc, but I have seen my friends, some become hard core right wingers or left wingers, and one fucker is a self described anarcho communist, so people don't think rationally.

[@shalomthms1]

Wonderful opening!!! Akhtar sir was spot on when he mentioned we must not waste time on speculating about the intent. ❤❤

[@xcel5203]

If there is no sincerity or honesty in intent there is no point in the discussion. It's simply disingenuous.

[@vinupillai6779]

One of the brightest mind on this earth, creative, intelligent and fearless - all gifts in 1 human. Very inspirational and I always take away something or even more from his talks! Javed Sir -keep talking and inspiring 🙂

[@ChandanKumarMandal]

What a sane voice! Not once but every single time. It was so wonderful to see him live in London few months back with same sense of humour, sharpness and intellect. It was my dream come true to listen him live.

[@renukaviswanathan454]

These are my sister's comments when I sent her this link. I totally endorse her views "Didn't think I would hear a totally rational and apolitical interview on the subject. The credit goes entirely to the interviewee."

[@Cray-wilder]

Jawed akhtar is like an antidote to fake intellectuals who can't rise above their political biases and see things objectively. Always a treat to hear him 🙏

[@anilp6699]

Excellent interview of one of the great Indians..👏👏Can't be better..

[@HassanAhmed-un8uk]

The moment he said I wish to see the end of discrimination against women and bring gender neutrality because discrimination is my enemy.. all the Religious fanatics would have a problem with this statement. Let the patriarchy trembles !

[@amanm6658]

In Hinduism, women are equal to shudras. They are given as "daan" in marriage. They have no right to property. When husband dies, she is burnt alive. Really, for such people, the words of Javed Akhtar are not palatable.

[@jitkr1489]

There is no patriarchy in any other religion but one!

[@HassanAhmed-un8uk]

@@jitkr1489 Read Manusmriti It has legitimised the hardcore patriarchy, it’s the religious leader who have vested interest in it. True religion never allows any form of discrimination be it patriarchy, chauvinism, racism etc

[@jitkr1489]

@@HassanAhmed-un8uk BS.. you can quote manusmriti.. but no Hindu abides by it.. progressiveness.. guess which religion stands and fights for its book!! Yupp!!

[@annamalaian0711]

Nope

[@skilljunctionbyahmadnadeem2658]

It is always a learning when I listen to Mr. Javed Akhtar...

[@p157706]

I can listen to Mr. Javed Akhtar all day. Thanks for the interview.

[@fauziahgaphur]

India would have been a much better place if only we had leaders and politicians who think like Javed Akhtar! 👏👏

[@rohankabadi389]

Then india will become a Muslim nation. People like him are silent to atrocities committed by the Islamic radicals in this country.

[@amankhanna6471]

Javed akhtar is nothing but a congress puppet. He never stopped congress when Shah Bano case was overturned. Why was Palestine recognised by congress party? Just coz muslims live in india and they would feel bad. He might not tell u openly but he is a congress loyalist. If he has so much guts he should fight elections from congress party as pm. Let congress party declare him as pm candidate.

[@babkamath]

After a real long time you have a great episode Karan Thapar, thank you for reminding us all again that Javed Akhtar is a living treasure

[@maax52tao]

I am a tribal from the north east, but more or less have always agreed to this same type of idea.

[@millenialmusings8451]

I love Javed Akhtar! A bold and outspoken and rationalist. I liked the way he shut up the host in this interview and also Sadhguru in another interview

[@javedansari9106]

I listened to the whole discussion without skipping a second, Please bring more people like him to your show

[@Bharat_P]

"The reality is the act, the intention is notional/guessing". That's the wisest thing I've heard Javed Akhtar say

[@umeshchenna]

KARAN TAPER DIDN'T EXPECTED SUCH ANSWERS FROM JAVED. 😂😂

[@atulkhare4738]

That's the best discussion I have seen on the UCC. Helped in building constructive views regarding UCC. Javed Sahab's views on ultimate gender equality is remarkable.. Learned a lot. Thanks Karan for such highly informative discussion.

[@hasanguitarist]

Javed akhtar is Javed akhtar no one like him when it comes to intellectual talks.. He is well educated & fearless and that he is fearless his education comes to the fore. May his tribe increase. Thank you Karan Thapar 🎉❤

[@yakubpatelbagali302]

Due to honest journalists like Mr Karan Thapar and Ravish Kumar ji, journalism is still not dead.

[@sharduldiwan2009]

😂

[@ashukulk71]

Sir I respectfully disagree....Mr. Thapar should try to be more neutral. In most of his content he seems to attempt to elicit a particular kind of response and it's only left to the neutrality of guests views ( as in this case) to bring neutrality to the discussion. From all his previous content it is quite evident from the way he reinforces his guest's statements which are even slightly in line with his agenda and discards anything which is not in line with his own agenda...that's NOT good journalism

[@yakubpatelbagali302]

@@ashukulk71 I respect your opinion sir. But every one has his own perspective.

[@lol8q]

@@ashukulk71his agenda always opposition

[@Lazarus365]

​​@@ashukulk71Mr. Thapar is a person of integrity and does what he thinks is right as an modern, educated and right thinking person unlike the people in the godhi media who deliberately distort and then validate their views. He is a person who champions the right cause. In times like this when we have a despot like Cprime Minister we need people like Karan to mirror our thoughts and ideas.

[@madhurichattopadhyay9868]

Very clear thinking, well-read and articulate. Javed Akhtar has ability to speak sentences and finish speaking in a Karan Thapar interview, a small miracle in itself. He can also get the interviewer to understand his statement and restate it in a concise manner as opposed to being lured to deliver soundbites.

[@SupratimBhowmick]

Without people like Javed Akhter there is no India.

[@dhananjaypatil3116]

Great Javed Akhtarji ! Inimitably original rationalist to core !!! It's a treat to listen to him always. One never returns without gaining some wisdom from him. Good to see him in public domain after long time.

[@dineshchandertrehan]

I appreciate karan Thapar for raising important points in UCC , and further I truly admire Javed Akhtar for his upfront , valid and logical reply to every question . Thanks for such heart warming fair interview ❤

[@cixin10x]

Karan Thapar is a true intellectual.

[@communicate.anshul]

Listening to Javed Akhtar is 1000x times much enlightening than listening to any 1000 babas in India combined Thank you

[@rskolkata]

But he can express himself freely because of those 1000 babas.

[@सत्य-ड8य]

Javed akhtar is one of the most intellectual person in industry 😊👍👏👏👏

[@renukaviswanathan454]

Very sensible and clearheaded. Thanks for the interview.

[@rajatbhattacharya8028]

True pleasure to listen to such civilised discussion.

[@sapiens4168]

Great Humanist, Javed Akhtar Saab. 👏👏👏👏. Always a pleasure to watch him talking.

[@deepaknayakmanel8581]

Javed Saab is a modern day philosopher. His rich intellect and free-thinking mind is on display here. Such clarity in his thoughts! These journalists who try "gotcha" questions should learn something from Mr.Akhtar. He handled Thapar very well.

[@VigneshkSabapathi]

Always a pleasure to listen to Mr. Aktar speak. With clarity and conviction! Wonderful interview

[@ajaysanampudi]

It took the wisdom, honesty, and courage of Javed Saab to come outta this futile dogmatic thought process. Appreciate this work, Mr. Thapar sir you are ready to talk to people of different views. Go on sir, 🤘🗿

[@Goslow3037]

Javad ji, is totally to the point on every questions..... Thank you wire for the upoad

[@_sayan_roy_]

I always pondered when Brits call someone national treasure like David Attenborough or Americans call someone national treasure and so on and so forth. In India, I don't find many or those who are in limelight, who can be called as a national treasure. But Javed Akhtar for me is one, both in terms of his quality and necessity to the nation, is a National Treasure.

[@JustFhilosophy]

Wonderful wonderful discussion. Absolutely loved it! Although I’m not a fan of Karan Thapar but I see he’s sobered up. Thanks again!

[@vinayakkumar9416]

Huge Respect for Javed sir … in the list of Kalam sir, k.k muhammad sir, one more name added today. As a Hindu, we just want people to understand what is right and wrong whether it is from any religion… muslims mostly refrain from doing so as they have very strict rules but those who do are brave and we must support them

[@yahudi7253]

All here you mentioned are probably closeted ex muslims. Jabed akhtar is open atheist

[@BadAss_691]

First say you will accept inter gotra marriage, you will accept your daughter marrying a Santhal or scheduled caste or Muslim , you will gladly accept your grandchildren and you hate Khap Panchayats, then I shall presume what you are talking about is truly from your heart….

[@_sayan_roy_]

Javed Akhtar is an atheist, not a muslim though but I get what you're saying.

[@PriyadarshiMaurya-tz6cc]

One of the best interviews I have ever watched . A treat to watch and listen Javed Akhtar on the very topic.

[@Oceansta]

Hats off to Javed saab...always impartial and secular - a true intellectual!

[@sushantbhowmik3335]

It's always an etymological pleasure to listen to Javed Akhtar sir ❤

[@xcel5203]

How can pleasure be etymological?😂

[@vyseerx]

Javed Akhtar has quashed all the efforts of interviewer to lead him in one particular direction!! He is fair and has openness of mind and thus answered freely. 7 months later , UCC draft came and actually became a law in Uttarakhand !!

[@vaidyaj]

You may be sometimes or most of the time disagree with Javed Akhtar but the fact is he is among the very few of who talk sane most of the time. We need more like him.

[@reshmanair-qe4it]

Loved it . Javed Akhtar sir, you hv been so clear . and respect you as an individual who has been so sensible irrespective of belonging to a religion which does not support gender equality. And to Karan Thapar however much you tried to put word in his mouth the way you would have liked to hear , you could not get it and that did surprise you.

[@baldevrajthukral3109]

As it appears the uniform civil code is very complex , it still needs to be discussed/ debated very thoroughly.

[@logical.Indian]

I really enjoy Javed Akhtar's interviews. He's a free thinker and isn't afraid to speak his mind. It's rare to find people his age who बेबाक. What I love most is his liberal attitude. He doesn't let religion dictate his words; he just says what he thinks. I don't know much about his past or his political inclination in the 70s but but in the last 10-15 years, he's become someone I always want to listen to. Most of the time, I find myself agreeing with him. I also used to support Vinod Dua, whom I still love, he is in the same league as him. Sadly, we lost him to Covid. I hope Javed Akhtar stays with us for many more years, maybe even another 20-30. Bless him !!

[@janardanpati9043]

Javed Akhtar is a great genius. On UCC his opinions are very very insightful.

[@JagrutiShah-o6e]

Javed Akhtar brings his Jadoo. Lovely.

[@neerambutoypani3542]

A very wholesome interview. Karan Thapar is the most annoying interviewer, but it’s absolutely satisfying to see someone take him head on.

[@mg.f.9023]

True, equality should start by giving respect to women ❤

[@kyrsulamare1367]

Equality should start by giving respect to both men and women

[@HenituseRaon]

​@@kyrsulamare1367they never said anything opposite..

[@susoommen]

Fantastic discussion between two intellectuals🎉❤🎉 bravo 👏👏👍

[@singhap]

Both of them are intellectual.. but one of them is naive and believes in dynasty

[@anilbhat8550]

Karan Thapar is no intellectual 🙏

[@arsalhemrom9902]

Thanks

[@Lazarus365]

One of the reasons why we are in all kinds of trouble is because the major part of the country is uneducated or poorly educated. We need more highly educated people and experts to raise the standards of the country.

[@jumdas1049]

India is a agricultural country. 90% people we meet are farmers.

[@rskolkata]

Education and indoctrination are two absolutely separate things. Sati used to happen to the most educated class.

[@punishanpika]

Education 🎓 is the production of human resources. It is important to build it up AND make it easier to use for productive tasks.

[@punishanpika]

​​@@rskolkata Sati was kind of hard to stop, because it seemed to be the women doing it, and Indian values don't have anything strongly against suicide. The British only removed the most painful methods of death like fire and being buried alive. Mostly because the British running the place didn't really care about suicide either. All the reports I had heard about it only mention suicide, expect obviously propaganda ones.

[@VikramGill-w7n]

The interviewers and interviewees of the mainstream media today can never think of reaching the foot(lowest part of the mountain) of this Intellectually immersive interview.

[@easedlife8248]

wow! loved this interview, its an eye opener, I understood uniform civil code in a better way. Thanks

[@pritishpadhy2603]

Have been a fan of Javed Saab for ever and ever. He may be much older now, but his intellect is as razor sharp as ever. Super👌👌

[@mariacorreia8672]

SENSIBLE DIALOGUE AND REFORM can transform India... Very necessary for moving forward

[@thecelebratedhunk]

What most people are not appreciating is that the quality of interview has increased also because of the penetrating questions of the interviewer and his in depth understanding of the issues surrounding the ucc.

[@prakasharjunbodwade]

It was excellent hearing Mr Javed Akhtar views on UCC, which enlightened me as well on the subject

[@rakeshalwaysd]

One of the very rare Jewels of India ..Javed akhtar ji....we shall learn how think and speak unbiased...and be true to the reasoning....

[@aryansinghrules]

JAVED SAAB DESERVES A BHARAT RATNA!! RESPECT & SALUTE!!

[@unmanifested9217]

Ye Kuch jyada hogaya!!!

[@mahiraza2107]

Mr. Ratan Tata ko ab tak nahi mila hai.

[@kshitijdubey4847]

This Man deserves to be in law ministry. He is spectacular. I didn’t say law minister but that’s what he deserves.

[@NK29979]

Although I am a Pakistani and this issue doesn't concern me, but as a Muslim I am in full support of the arguments Javed sahab presented.

[@drhemantsinhtakolia9520]

Very good discussion . Should be dub in Hindi must and all regional languages and should be spread to all over India and abroad too .

[@mahanbharatiyasabhyata3834]

Very appreciable comment indeed

[@nasreennas1]

👍🏼 Very interesting discussion, only education can change things for better, today educated people from all communities are treating their children equally be it a girl or boy..

[@Dogmatix-24]

More than educated, perhaps it is 'enlightened' people who believe in gender equality. Sadly, we do have plenty of educated hypocrites among us.

[@sunithaacharya4340]

Only in the urban places. Rural India is far from treating girls and boys equally.

[@praveenkandi8327]

Very balanced and pointed arguments by the speaker inspite of so many provocations. This is one of the best interviews I have seen so far on this important issue 👏👏

[@SanjayKRavi]

Very insightful discussion . Greate Opportunity to hear the view points from Akhtar Shahab Very rightly pointed out - we must have a draft. Thankful to entire team of the wire . Jai Hind 🇮🇳

[@fyi-tk4mr]

I like your dp.

[@Hedonisturs]

Javed Saab is most intelligent,outspoken , rationalist I have ever come across , period .❤

[@JaagrookBhartiye]

Just brilliant The Wire & Karan Thapar, facts and more facts nothing with to do with any political ideology I am PROUD to say “honest journalist like yourself, Abhisar Sharma, Punya Prasun Bajpai, Ajit Anjum & Ravish Kumar are still fighting to save the STRONG FOUNDATION of our constitution, our democracy, our beautiful INDIA…our HOME!!!”

[@IbrahimAhmed-lw8le]

Javid sir as usual, perfect; full of knowledge

[@arjun66618]

Javed Akhtar is the voice of a sound Thinking and Rational mind.. Such clarity of thought in his statements.. This I believe is the natural tendency of the majority of Indians though many do not voice it as articulately !! Let’s have the draft first and debate it!

[@samirajmeri]

Glad to come across this discussion, about the necessity of priotizing on having a Draft made First for openly discussing these points to accept, remove or change, before making any final decision.

[@BLRBOM]

Karan Sir, good to bring Javed saheb, truly a Caring-Respectful Learned Indian !.. Good open discussion .. Thank YOU

[@kirannnaa]

This is like watching a superEntertaining (yet thoughtful, insightful, thought- provoking) Blockbuster movie 😁 👏👌

[@trs-therightsound3486]

Totally agree with Javed Akhtar here for raising the points which actually matter and discussing the UCC as an intellectual. I would also take it as a concept of reservations in government jobs and education. On the other hand, I have a personal comment on Karan Thapar's way of journalism today: your journalism standards have gone down because of the biases you have against the BJP's way of treating you. India doesn't care about your personal vendetta and nor does the journalism bacons it. You are a legend IMHO, please start your thought process afresh and give us the best of your unadulterated mind.

[@mazharhussain8052]

karan thapar sir, Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new..

[@PankajSingh-jr3qd]

What a quote👏👏

[@chinmaypatil1364]

Fantastic Interview 🇮🇳 All Respect to - Javed Akhtar Sir - Intelligent & Gentleman ❤️

[@geetmehta]

Great starting statement by Javed Akhtar 😊

[@GhulamMustaffaDar]

When two intellectuals are having a tete-a-tete pertaining to some issue confronting the people,the outcome will be something palatable to people who have had apprehensions about it.The first thing that emanated from the dicussion is that we must have first of all the draft of the uniform civil code before us so that we can examine and vet it keeping in view the present civil code.

[@V08]

One of the best interviews I have seen.

[@keshavkaushik21]

Karan Thapar tried to drag Javed akhtar into his agenda but javed saab answer all questions brilliantly without falling into his trap. Karan tried to make UCC as hindu and muslim question but had no clue when javed akhtar raised valid points.

[@khlalzuivaipheiofficial]

We salute You Karan sir and Javed sir 🤝👍

[@Aifun8]

Javed Akhtar is so thoughtful and intelligent, and truly inspirational in the way he thinks

[@miku1408]

I could listen to Javed Akhtar talk endlessly! He is an intellectual delight.

[@Tor2ise]

Karan Thapar made every effort to incite Javed Akhtar, hoping to find something against UCC. Little did he realize that Javed saab, being a seasoned intellectual, with utmost clarity in such issues.

[@sourabhsaklani6104]

Truly a mind opening and rich discussion...

[@butkibaby]

Thank you for yet another engaging conversation you’ve given us Karan! Someone needs to do a series with Javed Akhtar Sa’ab. His brain is a goldmine!!

[@pablogavi-d8g]

The interview is great , looking forward to more interviews like this , I think there shouldn't be any support price limit as a student a wants to support by very small contribution as i can but i couldn't because of the limitations there ..

[@ankk98]

Javed seems to be a sensible person. Rare to find such people in interviews.

[@Mr551955]

Very good & Interesting discussion with Javrdjee👍 as both of you said, without a proper draft & general awareness about the subject it is only creating chaos. PM Modi & his party are interested in exactly that, the more chaos & confusion the more division in the society! He has blood on his hands, his credibility is shrouded. Instead of focusing on other burning issues he is trying to hide his failures, non governance & mis- management of our country's economy with diversionary tactics as usual! 🤔🤔

[@newajulhoque9309]

Best interviewer i have ever seen in the history of Indian Media.

[@jayantabhattacharjee5975]

THANX for such a meaningful topic of discussion on UCC. It can be said that nearly every nitty gritty has been touched with due sensitivity. this is truly an inclusive debate where a draft is of utmost importance to every countrymen and women. thanx again.

[@adityapachauri6415]

Javed Akhtar sir is truly a free thinker not bound by dogmas of any community , party etc etc. Truly a inspirational Indian patriot.

[@sharmilaaunty]

he itself is dogmatic mentality

[@samyeharshel]

@@sharmilaaunty Make sure to not just criticise but explain in details

[@UrlanaVenkatesh]

​​@@samyeharshel hypocrite never gives detailing bro. they just blame, do propaganda and go away with no honesty.

[@JthElement]

@@samyeharshel This user is an IT-cell spam, goes to every single clip that is not godi-media, and leaves a copy-paste one liner, sometimes repeatedly.

[@ajaybabankauthale7597]

Yeah so called writers wrote scripts for amitabh where Hindu gods does not help him but billa 786 does. What a nonsense? If you want be secular do not preach one religion is useless other one is good

[@iuhere]

wow what an interview, very insightful, brainstorming session this was. Thanks fo rsharing the information and thoughts. Good luck for next ones.