Javed Akhtar on India-Pakistan Tensions: "I’d Choose Hell Over Pakistan"

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Renowned Bollywood lyricist and scriptwriter Javed Akhtar recently shared his candid views on India-Pakistan relations at the launch event of Sanjay Raut's book 'Narkatla Swarg'. He revealed that he receives criticism from both sides: people in India tell him he should go to Pakistan, while Pakistanis call him a "kafir" (infidel).

During the event, Javed Akhtar said, "If I had to choose between Pakistan and hell, I would prefer to go to hell." He believes that speaking from only one side leads to one-sided criticism, but when you speak with consideration for all, "even more people become unhappy." He explained that both his Twitter (now X) and WhatsApp messages are filled with messages from extremists on both sides, though many also appreciate and encourage him.

Reflecting on his journey, Javed Akhtar recalled that Mumbai has been his workplace since he was nineteen and a half years old. He also made it clear that when speaking openly on political or social issues, one should be prepared for criticism.