Pakistani actress, TV host and drama reviewer Nadia Khan has questioned renowned Indian screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar for remaining silent on the ongoing student protests in India.
During the discussion, Nadia spoke about the demonstrations led by students demanding reforms in India's education system following alleged examination irregularities. She said it was surprising that Javed Akhtar had not publicly shared his views despite Shabana Azmi openly standing with the protesters.
Commenting on the issue, Nadia said, "Remember Om Puri, who only praised Pakistan, and India had him killed. The way these people are speaking, even their lives could be in danger because they are influential figures.
Nadia praised veteran actress Shabana Azmi for publicly supporting the students while questioning why Javed Akhtar has yet to comment on the issue. she said that look at Shabana Azmi she is out there standing near the protest trucks, supporting the movement. But she should also go home and speak to Javed Akhtar.
Javed Akhtar is the one who says that rather than going to Pakistan, he would prefer to go to hell. I said to him that day as well, 'You are already in hell.' Now tell us, what is happening in your own hell, and why are you silent? Here, Javed Akhtar is quiet, which does not make sense when his wife, Shabana Azmi, has come out in support. Javed Akhtar is nowhere to be seen."
During the conversation, Nadia argued that influential public figures should use their platforms to speak on issues affecting students rather than remain silent during moments of national concern.
Nadia's remarks came as student demonstrations continue across India, with protesters demanding greater transparency and reforms to the country's examination system following alleged paper leak controversies.
The protests, led by the youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have grown into one of India's largest student movements in recent years. Demonstrators continue to demand reforms to the examination system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.