Mumbai, October 23, 2026: The 17th edition of Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest opened at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) on October 23, featuring renowned screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar in the inaugural session. Akhtar launched his new book, Three Masters, a collection of dohas from Kabir, Rahim, and Vrind, translated into English by Sumantra Ghosal.
The festival began with the traditional “For The Love of the Word – the Anil Dharker Session,” held in memory of the festival’s founder. During the session, Akhtar and Ghosal explored the enduring relevance of India’s philosopher-poets and read selected dohas, including a well-known verse by Kabir reflecting on the true measure of a person’s significance.
Akhtar on AI and creative writing
Responding to an audience question about artificial intelligence, Akhtar said that while AI can perform tasks such as filing complaints or serving as an assistant, it cannot replicate the creative process involved in art forms like poetry, painting, or composing music. He argued that AI lacks access to the subconscious mind and the depth of human emotion, which he described as essential to artistic creation.
“AI can be a good secretary, an assistant, somebody who can do tasks like filing a complaint with BMC about water shortage. But AI only comes close to capturing the conscious human mind. As far as anything creative is concerned, AI has a long way to go,” Akhtar said. He added that emotions and the subconscious mind have enabled humans to create art for centuries, a quality he believes AI does not possess.
Book launch and session highlights
During the session, Akhtar discussed the themes of Three Masters and read Kabir’s doha, “बड़ा हुआ तो क्या हुआ, जैसे पेड़ खजूर। पंथी को छाया नहीं, फल लागे अति दूर ॥” He explained that the verse uses the metaphor of a date tree to question what makes a person significant, emphasizing the importance of one’s contributions to society.
The event marked the start of the festival’s 17th edition at its long-standing venue by the sea, continuing its tradition of celebrating literature and the arts in Mumbai.
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