Javed Akhtar on AI in Creativity: ‘You Cannot Wish It Away’

Veteran Screenwriter Calls Some Concerns ‘Exaggerated’ and Urges Utilizing the Technology

Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has shared his pragmatic view on the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creative space, particularly in cinema, asserting that its progress is an inevitable reality that cannot be stopped.¹

Speaking at the Soundscapes of India – Season 2, Akhtar was asked about the 2025 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) dedicating a section to AI content.

Science Moves Forward

Akhtar drew a parallel between AI and past scientific advancements, noting that resistance to new inventions is common but ultimately futile.

“If you see the progress of science, every invention, including automobiles and railway engines, has been resisted by the people…² Whether (you think) it is right or wrong, science is going to move forward.”

He stressed that AI is already making “unbelievable achievements” globally, making it a current reality.³

How to Use AI to Our Advantage

Instead of resisting the technology, the writer suggested focusing on how to harness its power beneficially.

“What we have to think about now is how to use it in our favour. How can we control this power that’s being generated is supposed to be for our ease? But you cannot wish it away.”

Concerns Are Only ‘To an Extent’

Addressing the recent strikes by Hollywood screenwriters against the use of AI and machine learning models (MLMs), Akhtar acknowledged their concerns as genuine but only “to an extent.”

He explained that AI currently depends on existing data—data that is provided and shared by creators themselves.⁴ His core message was about deciding on fair compensation:

“The fact is that today AI depends on existing data. Who gives that data? You are giving them the data. The data is always going to be shared and used. You have to decide what share of it you want. It is never going to stop.”

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