Ansari claps back at Akhter

Actor questioned Indian policies surrounding border control

Actor Bushra Ansari has hit back at Indian lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar for his recent remarks on the political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of over two dozen tourists. In a strongly worded video she posted on her Instagram, Ansari advised Akhtar to stay silent on the matter, criticising him for his inflammatory statements.

In her video, Ansari took a direct jab at Akhtar's past struggles, saying, "Our so-called writer doesn't need an excuse to start speaking. He couldn't even get a house on rent in Bombay, all he does is talk. What is he even saying? He already has one foot in the grave, and he's talking like this? He should shut up." She pointed out that while Akhtar continues to stir the pot, other respected figures like Naseeruddin Shah have remained silent. "Look at Naseeruddin Shah; isn't he quiet? Why can't others follow suit?" she questioned.

Ansari also expressed disappointment with Akhtar's remarks about Pakistan, calling them unnecessary and harmful. "It's not the people who are at fault; it's the governments and the few individuals poisoning minds on both sides," she added. Her comments resonated with many in Pakistan, who praised her for speaking out against unnecessary hostility and for advocating for peace and understanding between the two nations.

Ansari's remarks come in response to Akhtar's call for tougher action against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. Speaking during an interview with news agency ANI, Akhtar urged the Indian government to take more assertive steps against the alleged perpetrators of the attack, calling for decisive action beyond symbolic gestures. "A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now. Do something so that the mad army chief there (Pakistan) cannot make speeches like he does," Akhtar said.

While calling for a firm response to the attack, the writer also addressed the issue of banning Pakistani artists from working in India, maintaining that such a move would play into the hands of terrorists and the Pakistani military. However, he suggested that the matter should be revisited at a later time, after tensions between the two countries have cooled.