Javed Akhtar's 'oops' moment

Javed Akhtar might well be one of the country's most famous lyricists, but the advent of auto-correct clearly passed him by yesterday. What else explains Akhtar's tweet on classical singer Girija Devi's demise, which read, "Girija Devi was not only a great classical sinner but a national treasurer. We are poorer without her." The post refers to Devi as a 'sinner' and 'treasurer', as opposed to 'singer' and 'treasure'.

Javed Akhtar

What makes things worse is the unintended humour in us being 'poorer' with the loss of 'a national treasurer'. Akhtar was quick to take the post down upon realising his mistake but, keeping with the rapid-fire speed of Twitter, the damage was already done. In other words, an army of trolls descended upon Akhtar with their usual brand of condescension. This continued even after the veteran lyricist went into damage control mode. Clearly, to err is human, but to forgive is not for Twitter denizens.