Javed Akhtar bats for women empowerment

Bhopal: Celebrated Hindi film writer Javed Akhtar, who authored Bollywood classics like Sholay and Dewaar along with Salim Khan, on Friday gave a clarification to his "ghoonghat" remark, saying "Covering the face should be stopped, whether ‘naqab’ (by Muslim women) or ‘ghoonghat’ (by Hindu women).

Some people are trying to distort my statement. I have said that may be in Sri Lanka it is done for security reasons but actually it is required for women empowerment.

Covering the face should be stopped, whether ‘naqab’ or ghoonghat," his Twitter post said. Mr Akhtar, while reacting to demand by Shiv Sena to follow Sri Lanka to impose ban on burqa in India, on Thursday reminded that "ghoonghat" was also being practiced by women in Rajasthan. His comment has received wide media coverage leading a section of people to take exception to it, forcing him to issue a clarification.