Comedian Zakir Khan has weighed in on the ongoing debate around the use of swear words in comedy, sparked by veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar’s remarks.

While expressing respect for Akhtar, Zakir argued that comedians should not be singled out or judged for their individual styles.

The debate traces back to an appearance by Javed Akhtar on comedian Sapan Verma’s show Chill Sesh last year. During the conversation, the 80-year-old writer explained why some comedians rely on abusive language in their acts.

According to Akhtar, swear words are often used to add energy to otherwise dull conversations. He compared abusive language to chilli in food, saying that people add spice when the meal feels bland.

‘Abusive Language Is the Chilli of Language’

Javed Akhtar remarked that when a conversation lacks depth or wit, people tend to insert abusive words to make it engaging. Drawing a broader analogy, he said that in regions facing poverty or limited resources, spicy food becomes common to compensate for blandness.

He added that truly witty speakers do not need this “chilli,” suggesting that strong language skills and intelligence can replace the need for swearing.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Zakir Khan said he holds Javed Akhtar in high regard and deeply respects his contribution to Indian cinema and literature.

Zakir noted that Akhtar’s views are valid within the cultural and linguistic framework he represents as a writer. He also praised the veteran artist for evolving with time and continuously engaging with literature.

‘You can’t point fingers at comedians’

However, Zakir made it clear that he does not agree with judging comedians based on their use of language. He said every comedian has a distinct style and creative expression that cannot be forced into a single mould.

According to Zakir, if a performer’s natural language includes cuss words, it is not something that can be easily stopped. While artists often mature and refine their content over time, he stressed that public finger-pointing is neither fair nor productive.

Background

Javed Akhtar began his career as part of the legendary writing duo Salim-Javed and went on to write some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic films, songs, poems, and shayari. Since the 1980s, he has been regarded as one of India’s most influential literary voices.

Zakir Khan, on the other hand, is known for his relatable storytelling and observational humour. He rose to national fame after winning Comedy Central’s India’s Best Stand Up in 2012 and has since built a loyal following.