Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar’s Legal Dispute Comes to an End
Bollywood actor and newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut has officially settled. The long-standing defamation case was filed against her by veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. The resolution was reached through mediation, with Ranaut extending an apology for any inconvenience caused by her statements. The duo appeared before a special court on Friday to inform it of their decision to withdraw the complaints they had filed against each other.
Javed Akhtar’s Complaint Against Kangana Ranaut
The case, which had been ongoing for over four years, stemmed from a 2020 complaint by Akhtar. In which he alleged that Ranaut had defamed and damaged his “immaculate reputation” by bringing up his name in relation to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death during a television interview. In response, Ranaut had filed a counter-complaint. Accusing Akhtar of criminal intimidation and insulting her modesty during a 2016 meeting at his residence.
Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar Appear in Court
Following the court appearance, Ranaut shared a photograph with Akhtar on social media. Confirming that they had amicably resolved the legal matter. She acknowledged that her previous statements were made due to a misunderstanding. And issued an apology for any distress they may have caused the renowned lyricist. She also assured that she would refrain from making such remarks in the future.
Javed Akhtar’s Legal Stand
According to Akhtar’s lawyer, Jay Kumar Bhardwaj, the matter was settled through an hour-long mediation session at a special magistrate court in Bandra. Ranaut’s lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee, noted that both parties had been working towards mediation for a considerable time and had exchanged drafts before finalizing the agreement. “There were no major issues—only the wording of the resolution had to be agreed upon, which was completed today. Both cases were officially withdrawn,” Siddiquee stated.
Legal Proceedings and Case Transfer
Originally, the case was being heard by a magistrate court in Andheri. However, after Ranaut was elected as an MP from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh in 2024. The matter was transferred to a special magistrate court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs.
Statements from Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar
Akhtar had initially filed his complaint after Ranaut referenced a “coterie” in Bollywood while speaking about Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic demise, inadvertently mentioning his name. However, with both parties now reaching a settlement, the legal dispute has come to an end.
Kangana Ranaut’s Future Plans
In her social media post, Ranaut also praised Akhtar for his graciousness during the mediation process. She further revealed that the esteemed lyricist has agreed to write songs for her next directorial venture. Signaling a positive turn in their professional relationship.
The amicable resolution of this case marks the end of a significant legal battle and underscores the power of mediation in addressing disputes within the entertainment industry.
