Bollywood actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut and veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar have amicably concluded their four-year legal dispute through mediation. The defamation case, initiated in 2020, saw both parties withdraw their respective complaints and extend mutual apologies.
The conflict began when Akhtar filed a defamation suit against Ranaut in July 2020, alleging that her remarks during a media interview had tarnished his reputation by associating him with controversies surrounding actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Ranaut countered with allegations of criminal intimidation and insult to modesty, claiming Akhtar had pressured her to apologize to a co-star during a 2016 meeting.
After years of legal proceedings, both parties opted for mediation and appeared before a special court in Mumbai to formalize their settlement. Ranaut acknowledged that her previous statements were based on a misunderstanding, unconditionally retracted them, and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to Akhtar, whom she described as “one of the senior-most members of the film fraternity” and held in high regard.
In response, Akhtar accepted Ranaut’s apology and agreed to withdraw his defamation complaint. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, A K Awari, presiding over the special court, accepted the settlement, leading to the official closure of the case.
Following the court proceedings, Ranaut expressed gratitude towards Akhtar on social media, describing him as “kind and gracious” during the mediation process. She also revealed that Akhtar had agreed to write songs for her next directorial project, reflecting the cordiality achieved through mediation.
This resolution brings an end to a prolonged legal battle, allowing both Ranaut and Akhtar to move forward amicably.
