14th June 2023, Mumbai: Renowned poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has been embroiled in a defamation lawsuit against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut since 2020. Recently, Akhtar took the stand in court to testify about the controversial night he met Ranaut at his residence, shedding light on the events that unfolded. Here are the key highlights of the courtroom drama.
Meeting at Akhtar’s Residence: Clarifying the Details
Javed Akhtar, known for his illustrious career in the Indian film industry, shared his version of events during the encounter with Kangana Ranaut. Akhtar stated in court that he had invited Ranaut to his home In 2016 to offer her advice regarding her public dispute with actor Hrithik Roshan. However, he emphasized that he had no prior acquaintance with Ranaut at that time.
According to Akhtar, it was Dr. Ramesh Agrawal, a mutual friend, who had suggested counseling Ranaut on how to handle her conflict with Roshan. While acknowledging that he did not personally know Kangana, Akhtar explained that Dr. Agrawal, someone close to Ranaut, contacted her and arranged the meeting.
Ranaut’s Departure and Allegations: Misunderstandings or Manipulation?
Contradicting Ranaut’s claims made in a televised interview, Akhtar expressed that he did not make any threats towards her for speaking out about the matter. He clarified that Kangana left his residence abruptly with her sister Rangoli, alleging that she was upset with his statement. However, Akhtar disputed this assertion, stating that despite her polite acceptance of the meeting, she was not receptive to his advice.
When asked about Ranaut’s arrival at his home, Akhtar responded, “Demanding obedience from Kangana was never my intention. It was merely an opportunity for discussion and finding a possible resolution.” While Kangana and Rangoli physically appeared at his residence, Akhtar highlighted that obedience is a mental concept and not the motive behind their meeting.
Ranaut’s Accusations and Akhtar’s Defense: The Battle of Words
In the interview Kangana Ranaut gave in 2020, she claimed that Javed Akhtar had asked her to apologize to her co-star Hrithik Roshan. Roshan had previously filed a lawsuit against Ranaut in 2016, seeking an apology following a public altercation over their alleged relationship.
Ranaut alleged that Akhtar, during the meeting at his home, had made intimidating remarks, warning her of dire consequences if she refused to apologize. However, Akhtar vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that Kangana’s statements were outright lies.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, both parties continue to present their arguments, leaving the final decision to the judiciary. The defamation lawsuit between Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that can arise within the entertainment industry.
-by Kashvi Gala