KKN Gurugram Desk | Veteran lyricist, screenwriter, and outspoken public intellectual Javed Akhtar is once again in the spotlight following his controversial yet candid remark during a book launch event held in Mumbai on Saturday. When asked to choose hypothetically between Pakistan and Hell (Jahannum), Akhtar responded with a sharp wit:
“If these are my only two choices, I would prefer to go to Hell.”
This bold statement drew attention from audiences across the ideological spectrum, with supporters praising his honesty while critics—both in India and across the border—responded with outrage.
Javed Akhtar at Book Launch: Facing Fire from Both Sides
Speaking at the book launch event in Mumbai, Javed Akhtar addressed the personal attacks he receives for his vocal stance on socio-political issues. He claimed he is targeted by extremists on both sides of the ideological divide — in India and Pakistan.
“In India, people say ‘Go to Pakistan’, and in Pakistan, I’m labelled a Kaafir (infidel). Both sides abuse me,” he said, sharing that his WhatsApp and social media inboxes are filled with messages of hate from both Indian ultra-nationalists and Pakistani fundamentalists.
Akhtar went on to express that such backlash does not deter him. Rather, he takes it as a sign that he’s maintaining an unbiased and principled position, criticizing extremism in any form.
“If One Side Stops Abusing Me, I’ll Start Worrying”
Javed Akhtar humorously added that if either side stopped attacking him, he’d question whether he had compromised his values.
“If either group suddenly stops criticizing me, I’ll be worried that maybe I did something wrong,” he quipped.
“One side calls me a Kaafir destined for Jahannum, and the other labels me a Jihadi who should move to Pakistan. So if the only two options left are Pakistan or Hell, I’d rather choose Hell.”
This statement, although said with sarcasm, has gone viral across Indian and Pakistani social media, triggering debates on freedom of expression, national identity, and the perils of polarized discourse.
Akhtar’s Loyalty to Mumbai and Maharashtra: “My Karmabhoomi”
Reflecting on his journey, Javed Akhtar reminded the audience that everything he has today — from fame to recognition — has been given to him by Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra, which he called his “Karmabhoomi” (land of action).
“I came to Mumbai at the age of 19 and a half. Whatever I’ve achieved, it’s all thanks to this city and this state,” he said.
Akhtar’s tribute to Mumbai wasn’t just nostalgic — it underscored his sense of belonging to India, reinforcing his earlier point that his roots, identity, and success are inseparable from India, particularly from Maharashtra’s cultural and cinematic landscape.
Javed Akhtar and the India-Pakistan Discourse
Javed Akhtar has frequently been in the news for his unfiltered comments on Indo-Pak relations. He has openly criticized Pakistan’s support for terrorism, as well as elements within India’s right-wing political ecosystem.
In February 2023, his statement in Lahore — where he reminded Pakistanis of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks — received international headlines. While many Indians applauded his courage, some critics labeled him as controversial and too blunt for diplomatic contexts.
His recent comment only deepens the perception of Akhtar as a figure who refuses to appease either side, even if that means becoming a target for trolls, political groups, and religious extremists.
Public Reactions: Divided, as Always
Unsurprisingly, Akhtar’s latest comments sparked a firestorm on Twitter (X) and other platforms.
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Supporters hailed him as a voice of reason and courage in increasingly intolerant times.
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Critics accused him of mocking faith and targeting a neighboring country.
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Pakistani netizens called the remark disrespectful, while some Indian users said he should refrain from reigniting Indo-Pak tensions through such comments.
Hashtags such as #JavedAkhtar, #GayajiStatement, and #FreedomOfSpeech began trending within hours.
Balancing Art and Activism: The Akhtar Legacy
Javed Akhtar is more than a lyricist and scriptwriter. He is a cultural commentator, political critic, and human rights advocate. Known for penning powerful scripts like Sholay, Deewar, and Zanjeer, and for writing iconic song lyrics, Akhtar is also an outspoken public intellectual.
Over the last two decades, he has:
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Championed freedom of expression
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Supported secularism and constitutional values
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Opposed religious extremism of all kinds
His speeches, writings, and interviews often stir strong reactions — a sign that his words continue to matter in the public space.
Contextualizing His Comments: Satire or Statement?
It is important to understand Akhtar’s style — he often uses satire, irony, and poetic license to make larger points about society and politics. His “Hell over Pakistan” comment, though provocative, was clearly intended as a critique of extremism and ideological hostility, rather than a literal declaration.
By placing hell and Pakistan as metaphors for intolerance and bigotry, Akhtar spotlighted the absurdity of how public discourse has become so polarized that moderate voices like his are vilified by all sides.
Javed Akhtar’s remarks at the Mumbai book launch are another entry in his long history of fearless commentary on politics, society, and religion. Whether you agree with him or not, his willingness to question narratives, challenge extremism, and defend his right to speak freely makes him one of India’s most compelling public figures.
As the world becomes more divided and dialogue more dangerous, voices like Akhtar’s—unafraid to risk criticism from all sides—remind us of the price and power of free speech in a democratic society.
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