Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has spoken candidly on community reform, secularism and the ongoing Vande Mataram controversy in an interview with Indian Express Hindi. He questioned what he called "secular intellectuals" and community leaders who speak on minority issues, while also explaining his own position.

On Muslim Personal Law and Triple Talaq

Akhtar pointed out that Muslim Personal Law came into force in 1937, while India became independent in 1947. He asked why no changes were made in the decades since, and why the BJP was needed to ban triple talaq. Calling it "a matter of shame," he asked what kind of secularism this represents. These are Akhtar's opinions, and the interview itself does not present them as settled facts.

"I Was Born Into a Muslim Family"

Asked why his criticism is sometimes seen as promoting a majority narrative despite his atheism, Akhtar said it is sad that only a small segment of the Muslim community raises its voice against social problems and shortcomings within the community. In his view, one must first fix one's own house before criticising others.

He described himself as an atheist but said he was born into a Muslim family, which makes it his primary right and responsibility to address his community's problems before pointing fingers elsewhere. He added that he will speak on other issues when necessary, as he has done before.

Comparing Activism Across Communities

Akhtar said that many Hindus in India openly speak out against fascism and communalism, whereas very few Muslims speak out against bigotry within their own community. He added that one cannot always play the victim.

On Vande Mataram

Akhtar said he has no problem saying or singing "Vande Mataram" and would happily recite it a hundred times if it is about the country and not religion. He said he feels no threat to his religion from doing so, has used "Vande Mataram" in several of his songs, and has even written his own versions.

His objection, he explained, is to being asked to sing verses he sees as carrying religious sentiments. As an atheist, he said, he has the right not to be made to sing them.

"India Is My Mother"

For Akhtar, patriotism and religion are two different things. He said he says "Bharat Mata ki Jai" with all his heart, and that he loves his country and considers India his mother. The problem, he said, begins when someone adds their religion to that sentiment. Speaking about the nation, he said, he stands with everyone, but adding religious verses is unacceptable to him.

Why It Matters

Akhtar's comments land in a charged debate where questions of faith, national symbols and community reform often become politically loaded. His position, as stated, separates love for the country from religious content in a song, and also calls for self-examination within his own community. Reactions across the political spectrum are likely, and readers should treat his remarks as one person's view rather than a verdict on the issues.