Shabana Azmi Reveals Javed Akhtar’s Settlement with Kangana Ranaut Was One-Sided; Here’s What He Demanded

Nearly a month after Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut settled their defamation case, Shabana Azmi has made some surprising revelations. The legal battle, which lasted over four years, ended in February this year. However, Shabana has now clarified that the settlement was not entirely mutual, as Akhtar was specifically seeking a written apology rather than any monetary compensation.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Shabana Azmi stated that Javed Akhtar's main demand was a written apology from Kangana Ranaut. She emphasized that the settlement was a victory for Javed and his lawyer, Jay Bhardwaj. She also expressed her surprise at how the media portrayed the resolution as mutual without highlighting that Akhtar’s primary intention was not financial gain but a formal apology.

Back in July 2020, Javed Akhtar had filed a case against Kangana Ranaut, accusing her of defaming him and damaging his “immaculate reputation.” This happened after she mentioned his name in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput’s d*ath during a television interview. In response, Kangana counter-filed a complaint against Akhtar, alleging criminal intimidation and insult to her modesty.

As per the mediation report, Kangana admitted that her statements made on July 19, 2020, and afterward were a result of a misunderstanding. She withdrew all her remarks unconditionally and assured that she would not make similar statements in the future. She also apologized for any inconvenience caused to Javed Akhtar, acknowledging him as a senior member of the industry and expressing her highest regard for him.

With this, Kangana withdrew her complaint, and Javed Akhtar also agreed to drop his case. Following the settlement, Kangana shared a smiling photo with Javed and jokingly mentioned that the lyricist had agreed to write songs for her next film.