Javed Akhtar Sought Written Apology From Kangana, 'It Wasn't A Mutual Settlement', Revealed Shabana

Shabana Azmi recently revealed some new details in the defamation case involving lyricist, Javed Akhtar and actress, Kangana Ranaut. Almost a month after the two had settled their long-running row in Mumbai court, some new details have surfaced on the internet. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the veteran actress, Shabana Azmi opened up about the details of the lawsuit.

Shabana Azmi reveals if Javed Akhtar wanted an apology from Kangana Ranaut 

In February 2025, Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar brought an end to their four-year-long legal battle. However, there were some details that the fans were still interested in. Sharing the same, Shabana Azmi shed some light on the now-settled legal row. She revealed that Javed wanted a written apology from Kangana rather than monetary compensation. 

"They had asked for no monetary compensation but for her apology in writing. The victory is his and his lawyer Jay Bhardwaj's." 

Shabana Azmi revealed there was no mutual settlement 

In the same conversation, Shabana Azmi revealed that she found it obscure that the media has portrayed it as a mutual settlement. She shared that there was no such thing, and she has no clue why the written apology was not mentioned. She further added that it was the written apology that Javed fought the case for four years. She stated:

"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 that he was seeking and why he had fought the case for four and half years."

Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut's lawsuit

Javed Akhtar filed a complaint against Kangana Ranaut for defamation in July 2020. According to the reports, the lyricist alleged that the actress had damaged his immaculate reputation by linking his name to late actor, Sushant Singh Rajput's death during an interview with a news channel. She also filed a cross-complaint against Javed later, alleging criminal intimidation and insult to modesty.

Kangana Ranaut's statement during mediation 

In the mediation report submitted to the court in February 2025, Kangana Ranaut stated that the statement she made was a misunderstanding. She withdrew all her statements and took an undertaking not to repeat the same. She apologised to Javed Akhtar for the inconvenience. She stated:

"The statements I made in the interview dated July 19, 2020, and thereafter were a result of a misunderstanding. I hereby unconditionally withdraw all the statements I made....and I undertake not to repeat them in the future. I apologise for the inconvenience caused to Mr Javed Akhtar, who is one of the senior members of the film fraternity, and I have the highest regard for him."

Javed Akhtar's statement during the mediation

Kangana Ranaut withdrew her complaint against the lyricist, Javed Akhtar. Thereafter, Javed, in his mediation report in February 2025, stated that he, too, withdrew his complaint. The duo posted a picture of them together. Kangana took to her Instagram handle and said that the legal matters have been resolved, and Javed has also agreed to write songs for her next film. Javed's statement read:

"In view of the statements made by Ms Kangana Ranaut, I agree to withdraw the complaint..." 

What are your thoughts on Shabana Azmi's revelations?

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