Javed Akhtar attracts heat for choosing hell over Pakistan

Local celebrities slam Indian screenwriter's comments

Javed Akhtar is once again under fire for a controversial take. In a video uploaded by ABP on YouTube, the Indian screenwriter and lyricist said in a speech, "I receive hostility from extremists on both sides. But this is the right way, since if even one side stopped hating me, I would be worried that I was doing something wrong."

He added, "One side calls me an unbeliever and tells me I'll go to hell, while the other side says, 'Jihadist, go to Pakistan.' But if I had to choose between going to Pakistan or going to hell, I'd like to go to hell."

Akhtar's words sparked the fury of Pakistani artists online, with many responding to his words with similar levels of contempt. Among those speaking up against the viral clip was Faysal Quraishi, who wrote on Instagram Stories, "We actually don't need you. And, though Allah knows best, believe me your wish will be granted."

Ahmad Ali Butt also fired a scathing response. "I normally don't get angry but d*mn you. You are an extremely atrocious human being," he said, likening Akhtar to a dog who can't stomach kheer. "Trust me, you are already in hell."

Meanwhile, Imran Abbas landed a softer but sharp-witted blow. "If he doesn't opt for hell, he will still end up on the same flight, but likely in the lower economy class. We only granted him business or first class status. Otherwise, he didn't merit any other class," Abbas commented.

Some actors kept it simple, opting for quick one-liners to counter Akhtar's declaration. "That's precisely where you live, Javed sahab," said Yasir Hussain, while Nausheen Shah offered gentle reassurance: "Insha Allah, you will go there, don't worry."

Rabya Kulsoom, on the other hand, posed a question. "How can you stay neutral and maintain your soft image after this, and choose not to speak?" she wrote. "It's not one person, it's the mindset that's speaking. When you know you'll be applauded for spewing hate, you will intentionally say what they want to hear. This has always been the case, sadly."

'You should be ashamed'

Ali Abbas addressed the matter at length on a local show. Referring to Akhtar as a guest who visited Pakistan a few years back he said, "All I'd like to say to him is that Javed sahab, we offered you a lot of respect when you came here. Maybe this was just meant to happen, but what you said wasn't right."

Abbas added that he understood Akhtar's position of wanting to prove his loyalty to his country, but it's not an excuse. "We understand that you're already living in hell and you want to prove that you're a proper Indian by making these statements. But you should be ashamed of yourself."

The actor took the opportunity to also laud his peers for countering hate-fuelled sentiments with grace. "I appreciate Pakistani artists for prioritising facts. In comparison to how Indian media has been handling the situation, our media should be getting awards."

Akhtar has been frequently making headlines, following the armed conflict between Pakistan and India. Previously, he attracted backlash for claiming that Pakistan has not invited Indian artists with the same enthusiasm as the latter has welcomed Pakistani artists inside its borders. On another occasion, he urged India's government to take a firm step against Pakistan.

In a video response, veteran actor Bushra Ansari expressed confusion at Akhtar's multiple takes on the conflict. "I don't understand why you feel the need to speak so much. Just stay silent for once," she said. "Indian people aren't the problem. You're brainwashing them."