Javed Akhtar wanted Kangana's apology, not compensation, says Shabana
What's the story
The defamation case between lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor Kangana Ranaut was recently settled in a Mumbai court. The legal battle, which lasted over four years, ended in February.
Now, Shabana Azmi, Akhtar's wife, has said the settlement wasn't exactly mutual. She told Bollywood Hungama, "They had asked for no monetary compensation but for her apology in writing. The victory is his and his lawyer Jay Bhardwaj's."
Media portrayal
Azmi questioned media portrayal of the settlement
Azmi said she was confused as to why the media was portraying the settlement that way.
She said, "But I'm mystified why the press made it seem as though it was a mutual settlement but did not mention that it was the apology in writing which he was seeking and why he had fought the case for four and half years."
Akhtar had filed a complaint against Ranaut in July 2020, alleging defamation and damage to his "immaculate reputation."
Legal proceedings
Ranaut's cross-complaint and mediation reports
Ranaut subsequently filed a counter-complaint against Akhtar, alleging criminal intimidation and outraging modesty.
In the final mediation report submitted to the court, Ranaut stated that "I hereby unconditionally withdraw all the statements made by me...and I undertake not to repeat the same in the future. I apologize for the inconvenience caused to Mr. Javed Akhtar, who is one of the senior most members of the film fraternity, and I have the highest regard for him."
Settlement
'We have resolved our legal matter': Ranaut
After the court appearance, Ranaut shared a photo with Akhtar, saying that the dispute has been put to rest and that the lyricist has also agreed to write songs for her next movie.
In her complaint, Ranaut had alleged that during her meeting with Akhtar at his home in 2016, he intimidated her, demanding that she apologize to a co-star.
The matter was settled through a one-hour long mediation before the special magistrate court in Bandra.