Javed Akhtar Reflects On His Remark On Pakistan, Says It Was ‘Controversial And Sensitive In Nature’

Mumbai: Lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar on Friday stated his feedback on the 26/11 Mumbai terror assaults throughout his latest go to to Pakistan have grow to be “too big” however he needed to set the file straight on sure issues whereas he was there. Calling himself as somebody who has made remarks that have been “slightly controversial and sensitive in nature” in India, Akhtar stated he was not scared to talk his thoughts whereas in Pakistan. 

Akhtar, who was in Pakistan for a competition in reminiscence of celebrated Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz final week, stated Pakistanis shouldn’t really feel offended when India talks in regards to the 2008 terror assault. “It became too big. It’s embarrassing for me. Now I think I should not gloat over it. When I came here, I felt like I won World War III. There were so many reactions from people as well as media that I just stopped taking calls. I was embarrassed that ‘aisa maine kya teer maar diya’. I had to say these things. Should we keep quiet?” the lyricist stated throughout a session on the ABP Ideas of India 2023 Summit. 

The writer-poet stated he has now obtained to know that his feedback have triggered a stir in Pakistan. “I got to know that people are abusing me there. They are asking, ‘why was he given a visa?’ Now I will only remember what kind of place it was. I have been saying things that are slightly controversial and sensitive in nature in the country where I was born, I live and where I will die, then what was to fear there? When I don’t feel scared here, then why would I fear anything there?” 

The lyricist-poet had additionally spoken about Pakistan not welcoming Indian artistes, the best way India welcomed expertise from throughout the border. At the summit, Akhtar stated he needed to reply that query because it got here from the viewers. “During a Q&A session in a huge hall… They were asking very friendly and warm questions. It was going nicely but someone asked me if they meet us very nicely but they don’t get that warmth from us. There was little room for me to move away without answering, so I did. And in the most polite manner possible. I told them to set their record right,” he stated. Akhtar stated India had hosted ghazal nice Mehdi Hasan and even Faiz Ahmed Faiz visited the nation in the course of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s time. 

“We don’t have anything against them, but they never hosted Lata Mangeshkar.” The author, nonetheless, stated “no country is a monolith” and shouldn’t be outlined by the insurance policies of the federal government and institutions. 

“The fact is that it is very unfortunate that we’re unaware that it is a huge segment of Pakistan that wants to have good relations with India, and it is totally understandable. They are seeing a country next door that witnessed so much development, industries, corporates, culture, films, music. So naturally, an average citizen would be curious and would like to come and witness this himself,” he stated. 

He additionally stated that it’s not sensible to membership “every Pakistani with Pakistani army, bigots and its establishments”. 

“That’s not a wise thing to do. We should see to it they get more credibility. When I went, the kind of reception I got from young people and students was unbelievable. If I say all Pakistanis are the same, then it wouldn’t be correct,” he added.