Zakir Khan Reacts to Javed Akhtar’s ‘Chilli’ Remark on Abusive Language in Comedy

Comedian Zakir Khan has shared his views on veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar’s recent remarks about the growing use of abusive language in stand-up comedy. The discussion comes amid an ongoing debate over creative boundaries in humour, especially following controversies surrounding viral comedy clips and criticism of shows such as Samay Raina’s YouTube series, which some viewers have described as vulgar.

The debate has reignited conversations around artistic freedom, audience sensitivity, and whether strong language enhances or weakens comedy.

‘Abusive Language Is the Chilli of Language’: Javed Akhtar

Speaking at a public event, Javed Akhtar criticised what he described as the excessive and unnecessary use of abusive language in creative expression. According to him, such language is often used to compensate for a lack of depth or wit.

“If the conversation is bland, you will put some abusive language in it just to give it energy,” Akhtar said.

Explaining his argument through an analogy, he added that in regions where food lacks flavour, people tend to use more chilli to enhance taste. Drawing a parallel, he remarked that abusive language works in a similar way in speech and writing.

Akhtar emphasised that strong writing and sharp wit eliminate the need for such linguistic shortcuts, suggesting that thoughtful language can be equally impactful without relying on shock value.

Zakir Khan Shares a Balanced View

Responding to Akhtar’s comments, Zakir Khan said he has deep respect for the veteran writer and understands the cultural and literary background from which the statement emerged.

“I respect Javed Akhtar a lot and admire his work. He represents a certain language, culture, and tradition as a writer. From that perspective, his comment on comedians is valid,” Zakir said in an interview.

However, the stand-up comedian also clarified that Akhtar’s views should not be seen as a universal rule for all performers.

‘It Can’t Be Mandatory for Everyone’

Zakir stressed that comedy, like all art forms, is deeply personal and constantly evolving. He pointed out that while some comedians may choose to move away from using cuss words over time, it cannot be enforced as a standard across the industry.

“If someone has cuss words in their language, you can’t stop that,” he said, adding that growth in comedy often happens naturally with experience and maturity.

He also cautioned against targeting or judging individual comedians, noting that artistic expression varies widely and should be allowed room to evolve without constant finger-pointing.

Ongoing Debate on Comedy and Creative Freedom

The exchange highlights a broader debate within India’s comedy ecosystem, where creators are increasingly navigating audience expectations, platform scrutiny, and evolving cultural sensibilities. While some argue for restraint and refined language, others maintain that comedy must remain free to reflect diverse voices and realities.

As discussions continue, Zakir Khan’s response offers a middle ground — acknowledging the value of refined language while defending creative freedom within the art form.

Related Topics:
Entertainment News | Stand-Up Comedy | Cultural Debate | Creative Freedom

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