Veteran Indian lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar stirred controversy once again by declaring that he would “rather go to hell than Pakistan.” Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s book Narkatla Swarg in Mumbai, Akhtar criticized detractors from both sides of the border, claiming, “One calls me a kaafir… the other asks me to go to Pakistan. So if I must choose, I’d rather go to hell.”
The comment ignited immediate backlash in Pakistan, where Akhtar has previously enjoyed warm hospitality at literary events and cultural festivals. Public figures and celebrities responded strongly, expressing disappointment and calling out the perceived hypocrisy in his statement. Actor Zhalay Sarhadi remarked sarcastically that he was already where he chose to be, while politician Sharmila Faruqui called the statement a reflection of his inner bitterness rather than an insult to Pakistan.
Actor Ahsan Mohsin Ikram went further, criticizing Pakistani celebrities who previously hosted Akhtar, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over national dignity. His reaction echoed widespread frustration with Akhtar’s shifting tone — from past praise of Pakistani audiences to current hostility.
Akhtar’s remarks also come at a diplomatically tense moment, as India and Pakistan faced heightened military tensions in the past week. Critics argue that by invoking such charged rhetoric, Akhtar risked echoing hardline narratives from India’s right-wing leadership, undermining the cultural diplomacy he once promoted.
Notably, Akhtar had recently complained about Pakistan not reciprocating India’s cultural openness, citing India’s embrace of Pakistani legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The contradiction between his desire for artistic exchange and his inflammatory remarks has led many to speculate that his motivations are less about cross-border relations and more about staying in the public spotlight.