Shabana Azmi says there was no mutual settlement between Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut in defamation case: ‘Victory is his’ | Bollywood News

Almost a month after Javed Akhtar and Kangana Ranaut settled their defamation case, his wife, Shabana Azmi, has shared her views on the matter. Javed had filed the case against Kangana in 2020, and in February this year, both parties reached a settlement. However, Shabana has criticised the media’s coverage, calling out the portrayal of it as a “mutual settlement.”
Bollywood Hungama quoted Shabana clarifying that Javed Akhtar never sought monetary compensation from Kangana but only a written apology. She stated, “They had asked for no monetary compensation but for her apology in writing. The victory is his and his lawyer Jay Bhardwaj’s.”
Calling out the media, Shabana 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.”
Kangana’s Apology
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In a report submitted to the court, Kangana stated, “The statements made me in the interview dated July 19, 2020 and thereafter were a result of misunderstanding. I here unconditionally withdraw all the statements made me….and I undertake not to repeat the same in future. I apologise for the inconvenience caused to Mr Javed Akhtar who is one one of the senior most members of the film fraternity and I have highest regards for him.”
Javed, in the mediation report, said, “In view of the statements made Ms Kangana Ranaut, I agree to withdraw the complaint…”
Later, Kangana also shared a happy photo with Javed Akhtar from the court. She wrote, “Today Javed ji and I have resolved our legal matter (defamation case) through mediation, in the mediation Javed ji has been very kind and gracious, he also agreed to write songs for my next directorial.”

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Javed had accused Kangana of defaming him and dragging his name into the Sushant Singh Rajput death case in one of her interviews. He alleged that Kangana made defamatory statements on national and international television. In response, Kangana had filed a counter-complaint against Javed, accusing him of extortion and outraging her modesty invading her privacy.