Javed Akhtar, a prominent lyricist and writer, shared insights about the evolution of the assistant director’s role in the Hindi film industry during the earlier phases of his career. Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, he reflected on the changes in respect and authority that these roles have undergone. Additionally, he touched on the deeper meanings of secularism, emphasizing that it is more a way of life rather than just a concept learned through lectures.
In his address, Akhtar recounted how assistant directors were often treated with little respect, tasked with fetching personal items for actors. He reflected on his own experiences, stating, “When I was an assistant director, the position was so disrespected.” According to him, the expectations included swiftly locating clothes and shoes for stars, which made the role quite menial at the time. He contrasted this with the current dynamics, noting that today’s assistant directors have a much more professional rapport with actors, often addressing them by their first names.
Delving into the topic of secularism, Akhtar stated that it should be an intrinsic part of life rather than just knowledge acquired through courses. He argued that genuine secularism arises naturally from observing the values of respected elders and community members. “If secularism is forced via lectures, it remains artificial and fleeting,” he warned.
During the session, Akhtar also shared a personal story from his childhood, revealing how he was raised in an environment surrounded by agnostics and atheists. He recalled an instance involving his grandmother, who, despite lacking formal education, displayed profound understanding. When his grandfather incentivized him to memorize religious verses, she stepped in to assert that no one should impose religious beliefs on others. Reflecting on this incident, he expressed gratitude for her stance, acknowledging her wisdom despite her limited schooling. This experience shaped his perspective on religion and personal beliefs throughout his life.