Javed Akhtar’s Analogy On Abuses In Comedy Leaves Sapan, Biswa Embarassed: Gaali Is Chilli Of Language

Javed Akhtar shared an interesting perspective about whether one needs to use cuss words in comedy. This comes as we see a boom in movies and web shows exorbitantly using swears in regular dialogues.

In the latest episode of Chill Sesh with Sapan Verma, along with Biswa Kalyan Rath and Shreeja Chaturvedi, the veteran writer-lyricist used his signature wit to explain his deep viewpoint. Akhtar was asked by Biswa about he saw the current trend of extensively using gaalis in comedy.

While the Bollywood veteran’s analogy regarding the use of abusive language in comedy was thought-provoking, it interestingly stressed on how chillies are added to enhance the flavor of a bland dish, gaalis or profanity adds zest to dialogues.

Akhtar opined, “In places like Orissa, Bihar and Mexico, anywhere in the world, when there is party, people eat lot of chilli because the food is bland. So, just to get some taste, they eat chilli. Gaali is the chilli of language. If you can speak good language and if you are witty enough, you don’t need this chilli. If the conversation is bland, you’ll put some gaalis in it just to give it some energy.”

While Akhtar’s viewpoint left the studio audience in splits and lauding his explanation, Sapan and Biswa, who are stand-up comedians themselves, were left embarassed. Sapan even gave a fun reaction saying, “Itne poetically aapne insult kiya hai stand-up comedians ko! (Sir, you’ve insulted the stand-up comedians in such a poetic manner!)”

Shreeja went ahead and asked him whether double meaning jokes provided a similar relief to audience. The screenwriter said, “What kind of individuals find solace in listening to obscene songs? Such people may require the attention of a psychiatrist rather than seeking comfort in music.”

Javed Akhtar is known for his honest and unabashed opinions about social norms, changing trends and artistic expression.