The debate around the use of cuss words and abusive language in Indian stand-up comedy has found a new voice. Comedian Zakir Khan has shared his perspective on recent comments made by veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, who compared such language to 'chilli'. This exchange occurs amidst heightened scrutiny of comedians and their content, following controversies around viral clips and shows like Samay Raina's YouTube series, which some viewers labelled as vulgar.
Javed Akhtar's 'Chilli' Analogy on Abusive Language
At a recent event, Javed Akhtar strongly criticised the excessive reliance on abusive language in creative fields. He suggested that it often acts as a crutch for weak material. "If the conversation is bland, you will put some abusive language in it. Just to give it energy," Akhtar stated.
He elaborated with a vivid analogy, saying, "In Orissa, Bihar, and Mexico—anywhere in the world where there is poverty—people eat a lot of chilli because the food is bland. So just to get some taste, they eat chilli. Abusive language is the chilli of language." Akhtar concluded that truly witty and skilled artists do not need this linguistic spice, implying it compensates for a lack of substance.
Zakir Khan's Nuanced Response
Reacting to Akhtar's viewpoint, Zakir Khan expressed deep respect for the veteran writer while offering a more layered take. "I respect Javed Akhtar a lot. I love his work. As an artiste, we often admire other artistes who evolve with time," Zakir told The Indian Express. He acknowledged the validity of Akhtar's comment within the specific cultural and literary context the lyricist represents.
However, Zakir was quick to clarify that this perspective should not be treated as a blanket rule for all comedians. "But it doesn't mean people have to mandatorily apply it. If someone has cuss words in their language, you can't stop that," he noted. He emphasised that artistic growth is a personal journey, where individuals may naturally refine their content over time without external imposition.
The Bigger Picture: Creative Freedom vs. Scrutiny
This discussion is not happening in a vacuum. The Indian comedy scene is currently navigating a complex landscape of:
- Increased scrutiny from audiences and critics alike.
- Debates on creative freedom and the boundaries of humour.
- Backlash against content deemed vulgar or offensive.
Zakir Khan's comments strike a balance between respecting a seasoned artist's opinion and defending the diverse approaches within comedy. He framed evolution as an organic process, stating, "As people grow, they do learn and refrain from certain things. But you can't be pointing a finger at someone." This highlights the ongoing tension between personal artistic choices and broader cultural expectations in India's vibrant and evolving stand-up comedy ecosystem.
