EntertainmentPosted at: Jan 24 2026 3:44PM


When logic can't back beliefs, religious groups defend by taking offence: Javed Akhtar

Kolkata, Jan 24 (UNI) Veteran poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar says religious groups tend to take offence more easily than others, observing that expressions of emotional hurt are often used as a defence when beliefs cannot be supported through reason or logic.
Speaking during an online session at the Kolkata Literary Meet 2026 on Friday, Akhtar pointed out that political criticism usually leads to arguments and counter-arguments, but religion is treated as a no-go area. "You can question politicians and policies, but when religion is discussed, people immediately say they are hurt."
According to Akhtar, this reaction stems from the lack of a rational explanation behind many beliefs. "When there is no logic to fall back on, offence becomes the only response," he observed.
The veteran writer warned against allowing outrage to dictate public discussion, especially when it is used to silence dissenting voices. He stressed that fear is something everyone feels, but artists should not let it take away their voice.
Akhtar also spoke about the role of poetry, saying it continues to matter because it gives shape to thoughts and emotions people already carry but cannot always express. UNI NST
Please log in to get detailed story.
Tags: #When logic can't back beliefs# religious groups defend by taking offence: Javed Akhtar
More News

'Anchivo Motors' in development from 'American Dad!' creative team

18 Feb 2026 | 5:58 PM

Los Angeles, Feb 18 (UNI) A new adult animated comedy, Anchivo Motors, is in development from veteran writer-producers Brett Cawley and Robert Maitia, longtime creative forces behind American Dad!.

see more..

Leo Woodall boards 'Custom of the Country' opposite Sydney Sweeney

18 Feb 2026 | 5:56 PM

London, Feb 18 (UNI) English actor Leo Woodall has signed on to appear opposite American actress Sydney Sweeney in a new big-screen adaptation of The Custom of the Country, the classic novel by Edith Wharton.

see more..

Bad Bunny joins Spotify's Billions Club Live in Japan

18 Feb 2026 | 5:16 PM

Los Angeles, Feb 18 (UNI) Bad Bunny is set to perform in Tokyo on March 7 as part of Spotify's Billions Club Live concert series, marking his first-ever show in both Japan and Asia, according to Variety.

see more..

Mckenna Grace cast as Daphne in Netflix’s live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’ series

18 Feb 2026 | 5:14 PM

Los Angeles, Feb 18 (UNI) McKenna Grace is set to star as a young Daphne Blake in Netflix’s upcoming live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’ series, according to Variety. The show will explore the origins of Mystery Inc. and how the beloved gang first came together.

see more..

National award winner Nithya Menen starts production house

18 Feb 2026 | 5:10 PM

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) Nithya Menen, Indian actress and singer who works predominantly in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films, has announced the launch of her own production house, Keyuri Productions.

see more..