• Javed Akhtar is a renowned playwright and lyricist in Bollywood.
• He is called out by Pakistani for disparaging the host nation.
• Akhtar came forward with an explanation for his divisive remarks.

Javed Akhtar, a renowned playwright and lyricist in Bollywood, has drawn attention because of his offensive comments regarding Pakistanis. The 78-year-old poet gained notoriety after participating in a prestigious literary event in Lahore and disparaging the host nation while saying that terrorists who attacked India had Pakistan’s support. Even if things didn’t immediately turn bad, social media users criticized Akhtar after they heard his comments. Pakistani celebrities kept up with the public scrutiny, but prominent Indians have backed the Sholay author.

Akhtar came forward with an explanation for his divisive remarks, which at first pitted Pakistanis and Indians against one another, in order to lay things to rest.

Akhtar provided comments on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the just-completed 7th Faiz Festival in Lahore, Pakistan, for the benefit of the general public. His comments did not receive a warm reception because so many people were hurt. Akhtar stated during a conversation that it is incorrect for Pakistanis to assume Indians will disregard the fact that “the attackers are still roaming freely in Pakistan.” Indian media sources said that Akhtar claimed the crowd cheered his remarks. The renowned lyricist-writer also said that Pakistan has never hosted an event in her honor, despite India hosting big celebrations for Pakistani icons Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mehdi Hasan.

The renowned screenwriter-lyricist most recently appeared at the ABP Ideas of India 2023 Summit in Mumbai, where he expressed his ’embarrassment’ about the response to his statement. “When I returned to India, I felt like I had won World War III,” Akhtar continued.

I wouldn’t take pride in it since it’s embarrassing, he remarked. People’s responses were so numerous that I abruptly stopped taking calls.”

Akhtar continued, “Calling a spade a spade “These things have to be said. Should we remain silent about such issues?

“I learned that there, people are abusing me. Why was he awarded a visa, they ask? What was there to be afraid of because I have been saying things that are little sensitive and contentious in my native India, where I was born, live, and die? Why would I fear anything there if I don’t feel afraid here? he asked.

When questioned how he found the confidence to make such statements in Pakistan, Akhtar replied, “I’m confident the young people of Pakistan would welcome you with open arms. One thing, though: No nation is a monolith. What occurs is that we begin to think that the nation’s policies are what its establishment and government are all about. Yet, that is untrue.

A typical Pakistani is interested in India because of how it has changed since becoming independent, according to the author of Don: The Pursuit Starts Again. “There is a sizable element in Pakistan that wishes for friendly relations amongst the surrounding nations,” Akhtar continued. They want to come here and get incorporated if given the chance when they see India developing, with industries, the corporate world thriving, and culture, music, and films flourishing.

Raees, Dil Dhadakne Do, Rock On 2, Paltan, Namastey England, Gully Boy, and Panga are a few of Akhtar’s most recent films.

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