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At a recent book launch in Mumbai, renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar made bold remarks addressing the backlash he often receives from polarised voices on both sides of the India-Pakistan divide. In a sharp statement, he asserted that if his only choices were between "hell" and moving to Pakistan, he would rather choose hell, a remark aimed at those questioning his patriotism.
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Speaking about criticism he faces online, Akhtar shared that he is frequently targeted by extremist voices who label him as either too secular or too radical, depending on their perspective. Despite this, he maintains that such reactions validate his balanced stance, noting that if one side stops criticizing him, he might start questioning whether he’s compromising his views.
JAVED AKHTAR : "Both sides abuse me. One side say you are a Kafir and will go to hell. The other side say you are a Jihadi and go to Pakistan"
"If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer to go to hell" - JAVEDpic.twitter.com/PZ6VgUsQ7K
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND)
JAVED AKHTAR : "Both sides abuse me. One side say you are a Kafir and will go to hell. The other side say you are a Jihadi and go to Pakistan"
"If I have to choose between hell and Pakistan, I would prefer to go to hell" - JAVEDpic.twitter.com/PZ6VgUsQ7K— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) May 18, 2025
">May 18, 2025
Akhtar credited Mumbai and Maharashtra for shaping his identity, recalling his arrival in the city at age 19. He emphasized his deep-rooted bond with India and expressed pride in the secular values that shaped his career and worldview.
Earlier, in response to recent terror incidents including the Pahalgam attack, Akhtar had criticized Pakistan for spreading false narratives about Kashmir. He highlighted historical evidence showing that Kashmiris defended their land from Pakistani intrusions post-independence, reaffirming that the majority of Kashmiris see themselves as Indians.
