Veteran Screenwriter Javed Siddiqui Decries Rise of Profanity in OTT Content, Calls for Creative Accountability

For decades, the emotional resonance of Indian cinema has been defined by the pen of Javed Siddiqui. From the nuanced socio-political commentary in Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) to the iconic, generation-defining dialogues of the 90s blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Siddiqui’s work remains a cornerstone of Hindi pop culture.

While recently being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a theatre and film festival in Lucknow, the legendary writer sat down for an insightful conversation about the state of the industry, the soul of theatre, and the shifting moral compass of modern digital entertainment.

A Call for Moral Responsibility in OTT

Siddiqui, who has observed the film industry navigate numerous evolutions, expressed deep concern regarding the normalization of coarse and profane language in contemporary OTT series. He argues that modern filmmakers are often blindly imitating Western styles of "realism" without understanding the cultural context.

"It is sad to see profane language becoming so common in shows. We have taken inspiration from the West, but we don’t truly grasp it," he remarked. "When you write such language, would you be comfortable if your own child spoke that way in front of you? OTT platforms are massive organizations, and they must show a greater sense of moral responsibility toward society rather than prioritizing a paycheck."

Lucknow: The Eternal Muse

For the writer, the city of Lucknow remains a source of enduring inspiration. Having penned films deeply rooted in the city’s ethos, including Umrao Jaan, Siddiqui finds the cultural fragrance of Lucknow incomparable.

"Most cities have changed over time, adapting to the modern world, but there are only a few where the original culture still lingers, and for me, that is Lucknow," he said. Beyond the literary inspiration the city provides, he remains a staunch devotee of its culinary legacy, jokingly noting that a visit to the city is incomplete without indulging in its legendary galouti kebabs.

The Fragile State of Theatre

Beyond his celebrated filmography, Siddiqui has been a steadfast champion of Indian theatre, having written acclaimed plays like Tumhari Amrita and Salgirah. However, he admits that the medium is currently facing significant hurdles.

"We lack proper halls, and inflation makes large-scale productions difficult," he explained. This economic reality forced him to adapt his craft; he intentionally pivoted to writing plays with smaller casts—often featuring only one to three characters—to make them more portable and sustainable for touring.

Siddiqui attributes the shaky state of the craft not just to logistics, but to a lack of quality writing. "There is a shortage of both good plays and playwrights," he lamented. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the future. "Theatre will always sustain itself because no other experience can match the vibration it brings to storytelling. Cinema moves in cycles, and good stories—whether on stage or screen—will always find their way back."