Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar believes the internet has fostered a culture in which people are increasingly afraid to step outside their comfort zones, arguing that meaningful creativity is being sacrificed in favour of chasing trends. Speaking to Vogue India, the veteran writer reflected on how social media, algorithms and the pursuit of virality have reshaped music and storytelling. He also stressed the importance of reading, reflection and originality, urging younger generations to look beyond fleeting trends and reconnect with literature.
"The echo chambers created by the internet have made most people afraid to do something for the first time. Once someone else does it, they're fine to follow in their footsteps," Akhtar said. "People no longer want to pause, think, analyse or sit with an idea.
They are living happily, so why would they bother to think about this universe or the vastness of nature? For them, it is a waste of time." He argued that meaningful art cannot exist without patience and introspection. "But meaningful creation requires time, discomfort and reflection.
Perhaps that is why I have never hesitated to question dominant voices and widely accepted ideologies, especially when there is a gap between what is preached and what is practised." Akhtar also criticised the industry's growing obsession with what is considered "trendy", saying commercial priorities have diminished the role of lyrics in music. "Today, words have become less important because the marketing team has decided that slow music won't 'trend'. They say music preferences have changed and that old music is no longer in currency.
"But then they take those same songs, edit the mukhras and remix them with some inferiorly written antaras," he said. "There was a time when writers had more space. Today, other forces dictate what music gets made.
And yet, songs that are decades old still endure, while many recent ones have a short shelf life." The celebrated lyricist also urged aspiring writers to cultivate the habit of reading, regardless of genre. We grow up being told to read classical literature and big writers. Yes, read respected fiction and non-fiction authors, but at the same time, don't shy away from reading light literature.
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