Javed Akhtar does not blame demonetisation for Rock On 2's poor box-office show

Mumbai: Ace lyricist and former Rajya Sabha MP Javed Akhtar today said it would be stupid for him to say that Rock On 2’s box office performance was affected due to demonetisation. “If I say demonetisation has affected one particular film (Rock On 2) that will be a stupid statement,” he told reporters at an event.

“Obviously for a while, this move shrunk the spending capacity of the people, which was reflected in everything. I am not talking about one film trivialising a national issue,” he said. Akhtar said society was left with 16 per cent of the currency after the government scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, which formed 84 per cent of notes, from November 8.

“However, it is obviously filling the gap very fast and quickly things are coming back to normalcy,” he said. There were reports that Akhtar had allegedly attributed the poor box office performance of ‘Rock On 2’ due to demonetisation.

Replying to a query, Akhtar said he was a big fan of singer Kishore Kumar because he had a tremendous appeal which no other singer had. “I am a great fan of Kishore Kumar. By saying I am not undermining other singers because Rafi sahab, Mukeshji, Talat Mehmood, Manna Dey – all of these singers have rendered immortal songs. I feel the kind of appeal Kishore Kumar had, nobody had,” he said.

In the women’s category, he said, “There is no one like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle is known for her versatility.”

Among music directors, Akhtar said he rated the late RD Burman highly and of the present lot, Shankar Mahadevan.

Talking about Akhtar, Mahadevan said, “He has been a friend, philosopher and mentor. From day one when I came into the film industry I have been working with him (Akhtar).We have been working together for 20 plus years.”

The interaction with the media was organised by Royal Stag Barrel Select perfect Strokes.