Veteran Indian lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has once again found himself at the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
He again offered a controversial statement against Pakistan.
During a press conference in India, he was asked to choose between Pakistan and Hell, to which he responded, "I receive a lot of appreciation, but along with that, I am abused by extremists from both sides—India and Pakistan. I would be surprised if I didn’t receive any hate, because that would mean I’m doing something wrong. So let it be. People from Pakistan say I will go to hell, while people in India call me a Jihadi, accuse me of favouring Pakistan, and often tell me to ‘go to Pakistan.’ So, if I had to choose between Pakistan and Hell, I would choose Hell.”
His hateful remarks against Pakistan triggered an online debate among Pakistani celebrities, and they took to their social media for a response.
Mishi Khan
Veteran actress Mishi Khan took to Instagram, stating, “Javed Akhtar has chosen the perfect place for himself. No one in Pakistan will invite him again. And he should take those people with him to hell who once sat at his feet and recited his praises.”
Imran Abbas
Pakistani actor Imran Abbas, who has worked across borders, also responded critically. “Whether he chooses hell or not, he will go there regardless. The only difference will be that he’ll probably be in the economy section. We gave him a business class welcome, though he wasn’t even worthy of an economy ticket.”
Journalist Mahwash Ajaz
Journalist Mahwash Ajaz feels that art does have boundaries, pointing out how numerous artists in the past were famously N*zis. She feels that it’s about time we realize this and not support narratives that seek to erase our identity, adding how Javed Akhtar’s comments prove that he’s spineless.
Bilal Qureshi
Senior actress Hina Khawaja Bayat commented more subtly: “Wherever you go, you must be prepared for it, no?”
Actor Asim Mehmood offered a prayer in response to Akhtar’s words, saying, “May his heartfelt wish come true soon.”
Former MPA and PPP leader Sharmila Farooqui and actress Zhalay Sarhadi schooled Javed Akhtar for his hateful comment against Pakistan after he said he would prefer to go to hell rather than Pakistan.
Sharmila Farooqui expressed her disapproval, calling the remarks “deeply disrespectful.”
Ahsan Mohsin Ikram
Actor Ahsan Mohsin Ikram, husband of Minal Khan, also expressed his disappointment with, “A moment of silence for all those Pakistani celebrities who welcomed this man with open arms. Shame on all those celebrities, you gave respect to a man who has no respect for the country you belong to. Just for your personal benefit, you welcomed him. Shame!”
Ahmed Ali Butt
Actor Ahmed Ali Butt expressed his anger over Javed Akhtar saying, "I normally don't get angry but... Lanat... trust me you are already in Hell."