Javed Akhtar takes on new role

Poet and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar is taking on a new role to reintroduce the audience to the rich, classical poetic culture with a modern approach. The 69-year-old veteran lyricist has teamed up with Tata Sky for a new programme for the DTH player's subscribers, who will get to enjoy the 'shayaris' and 'dohas' of yesteryear. "I found it very exciting and I immediately accepted the offer. We want to tell the people that these 'dohas' are not archaic contrary to what people think. It is like saying that quotes of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates are obsolete and have no relevance," Akhtar told media persons. With 'Actve Javed Akhtar', which begins from today, the lyricist will select 'dohas' and then recite one at a time and explain the literal meaning of it and then talk about its relevance in today's life. Akhtar said he has adopted a very simple approach on the programme so that everyone is able to understand and imbibe it in their lives. "We are not intellectualising anything. We aim to maintain the simplicity of the thought. When I was talking about it I realised that they are as relevant today as they ever were before. It was a satisfying exercise," Akhtar said, adding he has also included Urdu poetry in the show. The launch event for the show was also attended by Vikram Mehra, CEO, Tata Sky and saw performance from singer Harshdeep Kaur.