Noted Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar on Friday said that the makers of the Narendra Modi film had falsely used his name in the film’s credits in its posters. Akhtar said that he was shocked to find his name in the film’s poster and denied that he had not written any lyrics for the controversial film.
Akhtar tweeted, “Am shocked to find my name on the poster of this film. Have not written any songs for it!”
Am shocked to find my name on the poster of this film. Have not written any songs for it ! pic.twitter.com/tIeg2vMpVG
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 22, 2019
In the poster credits, Javed Akhtar has been credited with writing the film’s lyrics along with Prasoon Joshi, Sameer and Abhendra Kumar Upadhyay
No sooner did Akhtar post his tweet, making a stunning revelation, social media users began to slam the producers of the film, which is being viewed as a tool to push the BJP’s agenda ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wrote, “It is defamatory to claim that the lyrics of a C grade election propaganda film are written by an outstanding poet & lyricist like Javed Akhtar. Shows the desperation of Bhakts.”
Reactions from other social media users were equally scathing.
I hope you will take legal action! This is absolutely crazy stuff! ? https://t.co/gcazaQAUw6
— Citizen/नागरिक/Dost Rajdeep (@sardesairajdeep) March 22, 2019
The #modi movie trailer is beyond parody…and javed akhtar claiming his name wrongly added is just soooooo funny…and so apt for a party that thrives on fake news
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) March 22, 2019
Bhakts are saying that ‘Javed Akhtar’ in the credits could be someone else, and @Javedakhtarjadu is not the only one with that name.
Just like how Narendra Modi in the trailer also feels like someone else! https://t.co/1FR7jAe6rO
— Sreeju Sudhakaran (@sree_thru_me) March 22, 2019
Directed by Omung Kumar, the film is set to release on 5 April. The film has Vivek Oberoi in the lead role. Among the film’s producers are Vivek’s father Suresh Oberoi, Anand Pandit and Acharya Manish. Many have already raised suspicion on the timing of the film’s release since the first phase of the Lok Sabh polls is scheduled to take place on 12 April.
The Election Commission is reportedly contemplating taking action against the film on the grounds that its release may violate the Model Code of Conduct.